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.

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.

Urban Fringe Dispensary is a traditional herbal apothecary shop who provide professional herbal…read moremedicines. They also sell a variety of herbal teas and other potions and lotions! I was offered a sample of their 'Rose Cream' which is really good and I would probably buy when I am in need of some moisturiser. This shop is however, slightly odd and I don't think i have really been in one quite like it! They have a good selection of products, however I can't imagine I would ever buy anything in here other than their moisturiser. The owners are friendly and very helpful. They also offer courses and workshops so you can learn more about making medicines from their products which is helpful if you intend to make anything.

This shop is incredible in my opinion…read more At first glance one could mistake it for being just another health shop but what they do is very unique and very beneficial. In an age where people are looking towards alternate healing and opening their minds to different possibilities the Urban Fringe Dispensary is focussing on the healing power of natural plants and herbs. When one thinks about it they are largely the same ingredients as those used in medicine as we know it, but in their true form. With three treatment rooms upstairs the professional yet homely staff can ascertain any issues and problems you may have and suggest the remedies needed. Back downstairs tinctures, teas and ointments are made with a pestle and mortar using the raw ingredients. This is a well thought out return to an older style of thinking and a shop that is, in my opinion, very much worth the trip.

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.

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.

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.

On a street off the bottom of Whiteladies Road, Whiteladies Health Centre is an excellent doctors…read moresurgery. Instead of ringing up when unwell, making an appointment, having to wait a couple of days and getting better in the interim all the same, here you just come along and see a doctor when you need to - which seems pretty logical to me. The surgery is clean, tidy, and quite large. They've just installed a new automated call system, so when the doctors ready your name will come up on the screen and be called out in an (slightly robotic) automated voice, which is quite high tech. The doctors are consistently welcoming and will take their time to listen and deal with your ailment, which doesn't always happen at other surgeries I've been to. The reception staff are mostly friendly as well, though as the other reviews reiterate, it's a busy surgery so they might be a tad eager to get you sorted - there's an incredibly friendly American lady, though, who is constantly happy and always serves you with a smile. They operate a morning and afternoon open surgery, which means during the daytime you can see a doctor but that is reserved for emergencies only. The busiest days are usually Monday, and although at busy times you might have to wait a little while, the service is usually swift. I highly recommend this health centre.

Just off Whiteladies Road the Medical Centre has had a recent makeover. The waiting room has not…read morechanged really, there are still plenty of seats that are comfortable enough, but they now have screens, as well as the announcements, to show when it is you turn to see the doctor, interspersed with medical adverts and health advice. Hopefully they'll get my suggestions and start showing DVDs. I have only ever attended the 'drop-in' surgery, which I feel is a bit of a Catch-22; you can always see the doctor on the day, but it can take up to 2 hours and you are not guaranteed to see the doctor each time, or you have to wait up to 2 weeks if you make an appointment! The drop-in surgery can mean you feel your appointment is a little rushed. However, on my last visit this was not the case, unfortunately I did have quite a long wait, I arrived at the surgery just after 8.30 but was not seen until after 9.15. The Doctor I did see, and this was just a general enquiry, ran through different options with me, gave me lots of advice and I felt like I had had my questions answered rather than like I was being a nuisance or wasting their time. There are some lovely doctors here and if you go early enough to the drop in timeslots you shouldn't have to wait too long. A reliable surgery, but remember to take a book with you to help pass the time! Unless you like magazines with pictures of Diana's wedding.

The homeopathic hospital is based at the top of Cotham Hill, in a long old building with a…read morebeautiful indoor courtyard. I used to come here when I was slightly younger, and was very impressed with the service they gave. For a start, the actual premises felt very far removed from the traditional sense of a 'hospital'. Rather than white washed walls and bright lighting, the theme is all low lit and warm browny colours, which immediately puts you at ease. The service was also very good - I think they only had a handful of doctors that would see outpatients, but the doctor I saw was massively friendly and made a great impression on me - he had a grandfather vibe about him, and would always take the time to listen, and explain situations very calmly, concisely and efficiently. It's an NHS hospital which is quite surprising for homeopathy, but if that's the route you need to take for treatment then make the most of it; this is a really excellent hospital.

The Homeopathic Hospital in Bristol is situated nearby to the main hospitals, at the top of St…read moreMichael's Hill. It looks small from the outside but is quite an extensive building. I haven't even received treatment from here, instead making use of their beautiful herb garden in the summer. Even spending time here gives out the feeling of calm and healing, and you can visit for free. The great thing about this hospital is that it is part of the NHS and not private, so everyone can make use of what they have to offer. Definitely worth a try, even if you're sceptical.