The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Offering a solution to all the aches and creaks in your body, physiotherapy centre, Physio, is located on Ibn El Ikhshied Street in Giza, just before the Cairo Sheraton Hotel. Needing some therapeutic care ourselves, we hopped over for a full consultation.

In a sizable black building, on the 11th floor, the centre is unassuming until the door opens and you step into a remarkable flood of light. With floor-to-ceiling windows making up one side of the space, the rest of the interior is colourful, creative and impeccably clean; the healing energy in its layout alone is enough to leave you feeling more at ease.

Having studied at the European School of Physiotherapy, founding partner, Amina Naguib, takes pride in her work and offers a setting that is professional and meticulous. For their first visit, patients are asked to fill out several forms that encompass medical history and general information. The outside space, which includes the reception along with a side board that offers lemon water and some healthy snacks, is mostly allocated to a fitness/gym area. Colourful equipment adorns the floor and walls, looking much like a playground.

After finishing up the forms, our therapist, Chris, led us into an examination room and continued to ask a series of questions in relation to our ailment. Because our situation wasn’t as standard as healing from a broken bone – our visit concerned a shoulder that felt weak and might be on the way to dislocation – more questions were needed and further prodding of the area was required in order to pinpoint the problem.

The whole process was easy and simple; a few different arm movements while standing, then sitting, explored what was wrong and once those were done, a quick, somewhat tough, massage was given to the neck and upper shoulders. Giving a rundown of the situation, Chris proceeded to apply Kinesio tape, which stretches the muscle and leaves the area feeling nice and snug.

The end of our consultation took place in the gym area, where simple, easy-to-do exercises were demonstrated for personal use at home.

A consultation, and further appointments as part of a specially designed program, cost 300LE each, however, group sessions that come as part of a package of six classes, and focus on things such as pre-natal and post-natal care, take up to five people and cost 600LE.