Keith James is a very well known and highly respected physiotherapist…read more The experience he has gained through working both with the NHS and in Australia is second to none. The main focus is on sports related issues - working closely with Bristol Rovers and Bristol Rugby Club. The one lesson I learnt from rugby training was that if it hurts - get it checked out; bodies are fragile things and the trained staff, massage studios and gymnasium here can all help smooth out those aches and pains. Even if you don't engage in much physical activity I highly recommend the sports massage. You won't regret it.

Keith James Physiotherapy clinic is the home for those injured in Bristol Rugby FC. Therefore, you…read moreknow your in safe and professional hands. They specialise in sports injuries or any niggling aches or pains which stop you from indulging in all the sports activities you would like to. Free consultation is a bonus and the price is very reasonable considering the celebs come here.

Now, I have actually already given recommendation for James Ross Healthcare as a gym but feel my…read morerecent experience of the physiotherapy there deserves a special mention. I suffered from a knee injury related to marathon training and despite my reluctance to have to pay for physiotherapy I really had to bite the bullet and pay a visit to James. For sports related injury I think it's really worth going to someone based in a gym, they know about running so can advise from both sides. After a initial assessment he found the problem and I have had a few follow up treatment sessions - they are expensive (£40 for the assessment and £35 thereafter) but he seems very good at what he's doing and it's the sort of thing - if you need it then you need it. I would highly recommend.

At the back of temple meads, right under the train track, James Ross Healthcare is an excellent…read morelittle gym. Initially started as a physiotherapy centre, they expanded to offer gym services. The space isn't huge, so there's only one of each Cardiovascular trainers, and as such is more geared towards circuits and weight training than the treadmill machines. Having said that, it never gets busy, so the times I've been I've never not been able to get on the equipment I needed. There's a real sense of personal service though, which is its main selling feature. For £35 a month, they'll give you a 15 minute assessment, and give you a programme designed to help you towards whatever goal you're trying to reach. There's always a personal trainer around, and they really care to take the time to have a chat and make sure everything is going well each time you come in. They also offer martial arts and yoga, so it's a well rounded gym off the beaten track - well worth the effort.

The Family Practice is like a Mecca for all those suffering from acute back pain. I have been there…read morein various states of agony and always found treatment constructive, thorough and sympathetic. The practice is run by a team of very experienced osteopaths who all have a slightly different approach to their craft. But all use structural and cranial techniques. Their clients vary from the decrepit to the newborn and from the sportsman or woman to the couch potato. They offer a variety of treatment for sports injuries and employ several practitioners in complementary therapies from acupuncture and homeopathy to family counselling, reflexology and shiatsu. The excellent website has profiles on every practioner detailing their approaches and influences. And you can expect to be seen fairly promptly if you are in extreme pain. There is also a clinic on Saturday mornings.

If you find yourself living within the surgery's catchment area and are looking to register with a…read moresurgery, then Gaywood House Surgery is a safe bet to go for. My friend recently registered, and after he got over the hilarity of the surgery's name, he explained to me just how surprising the surgery is. On the outside it looks a little run down, in need of some TLC and is also situated underneath a giant tower block of flats. However inside the place is clean, the staff are friendly and it is a safe environment to be in - which feels strange after you have found yourself walking into the crypts of the block of flats. The surgery is also ideally placed for discretion, you can approach the surgery form North Street and get spotted by a number of people, but if you are cunning you can approach from one of the side streets where you will only be spotted by the surgeries token 'hang-about'!

Gaywood House surgery is located in the ground floor of Gaywood House on North Street, Bristol. Its…read morea big surgery with about 6 doctors, 2 or 3 nurses and a variety of regular clinics. In contrast with other NHS surgeries, its not too difficult to get an appointment to see the doctor, you can either ring up at 8.30 in the morning for an appointment that day (don't leave it any later though or all the appointment slots will have been taken) or you can book for some late afternoon appointments in advance. If you wish to see a particular doctor you may have to wait a couple of weeks for the exact date and time you want but if you are ill, they wil always see you. The receptionists are always really friendly and helpful.

My local doctors. This is their new location after moving from East Park a couple of years ago…read more All staff from reception to doctors are really lovely and pleasant. Plenty of parking outside and they have a Boots pharmacy attached which is really helpful. You can arrange appointments and repeat prescriptions online too.

I've been going to the Yewtree clinic for a number of years. I see Claire the lead osteopath for a…read moreknee injury. She has turned me from sceptic to true advocate of osteopathy. I have recommended her to a number of friends and all have had excellent outcomes. Although I have not used the other services such as acupuncture, chiropody or Alexander Technique training, it is clear that Claire has put great care in building a team of caring experts in each discipline to maintain a consistently high standard. The clinic is warm, comfortable and friendly. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Sussex Place Surgery is a tiny doctor's squashed into the belly of a skinny house on a busy road…read more It's future is also under threat after the practice doctor retired and the NHS arranged for Frendoc to take over its interim contract. Patients are currently being asked if they mind being switched to other surgeries or would prefer a new GP be recruited to take on the practice. I really hope the latter is the case. Although the facilities are admittedly squashed, I have always found the practice to be well run and the staff friendly and discreet. Appointments are given promptly and each morning's open surgery is extremely well-run. And the practice nurse is extremely friendly. I found Dr Thompson a supportive and efficient GP when she was there and most of the GPs standing in have been good. The practice also arranges for prescriptions to be sent to certain local pharmacies to be picked up, and they always respond to answer phone messages promptly.

As far as I'm aware, no one actually likes going to the doctors. If you do then maybe that's…read moresomething you should see your GP about... Anyway, like I said, taking time out of your day to be poked and prodded is never fun but, for a doctors surgery, the Family Practice is a really great place to go and very relaxing. The Grade II listed building is the grandest surgery I've ever seen and its location in the residential area of Cotham means it's easy to find a parking space. The gardens are full of beautiful plants and lavender lines the walkway leading to the main entrance - whether or not it was a conscious decisions to have the calming smell of a herb to relax patients I don't know, but it certainly helps! Inside the main waiting room is at the front while the nurses' waiting room (where you would go for routine appointments or blood test etc) is round to the left. You can either sign in at the main reception or using the computer program at the front desk but be sure to note who your appointment is with as you need to make sure you're in the right waiting room. All the staff I have encountered has been friendly and professional and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who lives in the area.