Electrotherapy in Ealing & Hanwell

At CK Physiotherapy, electrotherapy is used, where it is likely to help, as part of a physiotherapy appointment at 57 Elthorne Avenue, Hanwell W7 2JY, in the London Borough of Ealing. An initial assessment and treatment costs £80, follow-up sessions cost £65, and you do not need a GP referral to book.

This section covers what happens at an appointment, what it costs, what NICE says about electrotherapy, who should not have it, and how to find us.

What happens at an appointment?

Your first appointment lasts up to 45 minutes and starts with a full assessment, not with a machine. We ask about your symptoms, medical history and goals, examine how you move, and explain what we think is causing the problem. If electrotherapy is likely to help, we explain why, what it will feel like and what the evidence says, and we check that it is safe for you before using it.

Electrotherapy is always combined with exercise, advice and, where useful, hands-on treatment. If it is unlikely to help, we will tell you and focus on the treatments that are.

Electrotherapy prices

Electrotherapy is used within a physiotherapy appointment, so you pay the standard appointment fee.

These are self-pay fees from July 2026. Our bookings page carries the live fee schedule and is always the most up-to-date source.

Insurance: CK Physiotherapy is recognised by BUPA, AXA PPP, WPA, Groupama and Life UK. Cover varies between policies, so please contact your insurer before your first appointment and bring your registration details and authorisation code.

What NICE says about electrotherapy

For several common conditions, NICE advises against electrotherapy because the evidence does not show a benefit. These are the recommendations, quoted from nice.org.uk:

• Low back pain and sciatica (NICE NG59): “Do not offer transcutaneous electrical nerve simulation (TENS) for managing low back pain with or without sciatica” and “Do not offer interferential therapy for managing low back pain with or without sciatica.” NICE also advises against ultrasound for low back pain.
• Osteoarthritis (NICE NG226): “Do not offer any of the following electrotherapy treatments to people with osteoarthritis because there is insufficient evidence of benefit”, listing TENS, ultrasound therapy, interferential therapy, laser therapy, pulsed short-wave therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).
• Chronic primary pain (NICE NG193): NICE advises against TENS, ultrasound and interferential therapy “because there is no evidence of benefit”.
• Drop foot after stroke, MS or other neurological conditions (NICE HTG178): NICE says the evidence on the safety and efficacy of functional electrical stimulation (FES), in terms of improving gait, “appears adequate to support the use of this procedure” with normal arrangements for clinical governance, consent and audit.

That is why we do not offer electrotherapy as a stand-alone treatment, and why most of your time with us will be spent on assessment, exercise and advice.

Home visits

If you cannot easily travel to the clinic, a physiotherapist can come to you. We offer physiotherapy home visits in selected West London postcodes, by prior arrangement, at £130 per visit. Call us on 020 8566 4113 to check whether we cover your area.

Getting to us from Ealing and Hanwell

Our clinic is at 57 Elthorne Avenue, Hanwell, London W7 2JY. The nearest bus stop, Elthorne Park Road, is about 100 metres away and is served by the E8 and 195. Routes 207, E3 and 483 stop at Church Road, the E2 at Hessel Road and the SL8 at Hanwell Broadway, each roughly 700–800 metres away. The nearest Underground stations are Boston Manor and Northfields, both on the Piccadilly line.

Street parking is available near the clinic. Permit restrictions apply from 9–10am and 2–3pm; if your appointment falls in those times, bring your car registration details and your physiotherapist can arrange a visitor permit for you.

We are open Monday to Thursday 8am–8pm, Friday 8am–6pm and Saturday 9am–12pm.

Electrotherapy: common questions

Does electrotherapy work?

It depends on the condition. The NHS says TENS can give temporary pain relief for some types of pain, but it does not work for everyone. NICE advises against TENS, interferential therapy and ultrasound for low back pain, against several types of electrotherapy for osteoarthritis, and against TENS, ultrasound and interferential therapy for chronic primary pain. We use electrotherapy selectively, alongside exercise, and never on its own.

Does electrotherapy hurt?

It should not. With TENS and interferential therapy you feel a tingling or buzzing sensation, and the NHS says TENS should not be painful. Ultrasound and laser usually cause little or no sensation. Tell your physiotherapist straight away if anything feels uncomfortable.

How much does electrotherapy cost at CK Physio?

Where it is appropriate, electrotherapy is used as part of a physiotherapy appointment. An initial assessment and treatment costs £80 and follow-up sessions cost £65. A 1-hour session or a home visit costs £130. Our bookings page carries the live fee schedule.

Who should not have electrotherapy?

The NHS says not to use TENS if you have epilepsy or a pacemaker, or if you are pregnant unless your doctor or midwife tells you to. Your physiotherapist will check your medical history before using any form of electrotherapy, because other conditions and implants can rule out particular types.

Can I use a TENS machine at home?

Yes. TENS machines can be bought or hired from pharmacies and shops. The NHS advises checking with a GP or other healthcare professional first that TENS is safe for you, and looking for a CE or UKCA mark. Your physiotherapist can show you where to place the pads.

Do I need a GP referral for electrotherapy?

No. You can book private physiotherapy at CK Physio directly, without seeing your GP first. Some private insurers ask for a GP referral before they will authorise treatment, so check your policy if you are claiming.

Can I use my private health insurance?

Yes. CK Physiotherapy is recognised by BUPA, AXA PPP, WPA, Groupama and Life UK. Contact your insurer before your first appointment and bring your registration details and authorisation code.