Consent Form Information for Physiotherapy

1. Physiotherapy Treatment

You will receive treatment to improve your physical health, which may include:

• Exercise therapy to restore movement and strength.
• Manual therapy (joint mobilisations or massage).
• Therapeutic modalities (heat, cold, ultrasound, etc.).
• Education and advice on posture, lifestyle, and self-care.

You are free to ask questions and stop treatment at any time.

2. Use of Your Health Information

We will collect and use your health information to provide the best care for you. This may include:

• Personal details (name, contact, medical history).
• Assessment and treatment records.
• Results from tests or referrals.

Your information will be shared only when necessary, in line with UK GDPR, and stored securely. Your health records will be kept for at least 8 years (until you turn 25 if under 18) and securely deleted thereafter.

3. Communication with You

We may contact you by phone, text, or email for appointment reminders and updates. You can opt-out at any time.

4. Voice Recording for Staff Safety and Treatment Accuracy

In some cases, voice recording may be used for:

• Staff safety (e.g., history of threatening behaviour, aggression risk).
• Treatment clarity (e.g., significant language barriers, significant memory issues).
• Protection against complaints or legal reasons (e.g., in cases involving complex or legal matters where additional support may be necessary).

You will be informed and asked for verbal consent before recording. You can refuse without affecting your treatment. In certain situations, voice recordings may be made without consent if there is an immediate risk to staff safety (legitimate interest) or for safeguarding purposes, especially with vulnerable individuals (safeguarding provision). Voice recordings are stored securely and deleted after 8 years (or until you turn 25 if under 18) or until the matter is resolved or no longer necessary for legal purposes.

5. Your Rights

• Full understanding of your treatment and data use is important. You can ask questions at any time.
• Verbal consent is required before each session. You can withdraw consent at any time without affecting your care.

6. Consent to Treatment

Before any assessment or treatment, your physiotherapist will explain the procedure and obtain your consent. You are encouraged to ask questions and provide relevant information. With your permission, we may also communicate with your GP to ensure continuity of care.

Consent for Different Age Groups

Adults (18+): Individuals aged 18 and above are considered adults with full legal capacity. They can provide consent for their physiotherapy treatment, and we process their health data under the lawful bases mentioned above. They have full rights to access, rectify, or request the erasure of their data, though legal requirements for health record retention will always take precedence over the right to erasure.

Young People (16-17): Individuals aged 16 and 17 are legally presumed to have the capacity to consent to their own medical treatment and the associated data processing. They hold the same data rights as adults. We must respect their confidentiality entirely and will only involve parents or guardians where appropriate, or with the young person's explicit consent.

Children (Under 16): For children under the age of 16, the rules vary depending on the context of data processing:

1. Clinical Data (Assessments and Medical Records):

• Consent for Treatment & Records: We rely on the child's "Gillick competence" (or Fraser competence) to determine their capacity to consent.

• Competent Children: If a physiotherapist assesses a child as having sufficient understanding to fully appreciate the proposed treatment and data implications, that child can provide their own valid consent. 

• Non-Competent Children: If the child is not deemed Gillick competent, then a person with parental responsibility must provide consent for the treatment and the associated data collection.

2. Online Services Data (e.g., website registration, online booking systems):

• For online services where we rely on user consent (e.g., signing up for a newsletter or using a specific patient portal), the UK GDPR sets the digital age of consent at 13 years old.
  • Children Aged 13-15: Can provide their own consent to use our online services.
  • Children Under 13: A parent or guardian’s verifiable consent is required before they can use these specific online services.

7. Mental Capacity & Power of Attorney

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

If an adult patient lacks the mental capacity to consent, we require a legally appointed representative to act on their behalf.

• We must verify a registered LPA for Health and Welfare (either via the original document or an official summary access code) before accepting consent from a third party.
• The Attorney is legally bound to act in the patient’s best interests at all times.

The "Best Interests" Framework

Where a patient lacks capacity and no LPA is in place, the physiotherapist will act in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act (2005). We will make a "Best Interests" decision by:

• Consulting with family members, next of kin, or primary carers to establish the patient’s likely wishes.
• Considering the patient’s known past values, beliefs, and preferences.
• Selecting the clinical path that is the least restrictive of the patient's future rights and freedoms.

8. The Right to Refuse & Clinical Stopping Points

We prioritise the dignity and physical autonomy of our patients. A legal authorisation to treat (via an LPA or Best Interests decision) does not grant the therapist the right to force treatment upon a non-consenting individual. 

Consistent Refusal or Resistance

If a patient consistently declines treatment—whether through verbal refusal or physical resistance (e.g., pulling away, agitation, or distress)—treatment will be paused or ceased immediately.

• We do not practise or permit the use of physical restraint or any form of coercion.
• This policy remains in effect even if a family member or LPA holder insists that treatment continues.

Clinical Objection 

The physiotherapist reserves the professional right to decline or stop treatment if:

1. The patient is clearly distressed by the intervention, regardless of their capacity.
2. The therapist deems that the lack of cooperation makes the treatment unsafe or clinically ineffective.
3. Continuing treatment would violate our professional duty of care or the ethical standards set by the HCPC and the CSP.

9. Agreement

By engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these terms, specifically the protocols surrounding mental capacity, the role of Attorneys, and the patient's fundamental right to refuse treatment even when capacity is diminished.

GoMove Physio may change its consent form information from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from 1 May 2026.