Physiotherapy in the public system can be accessed through the major specialist hospitals, such as Hospital Vall d’Hebrón. But it is lacking in the CAPs, where fewer than 100 of Catalonia’s 6,000 physiotherapists practice, and where physiotherapist associations say the most preventative attention is needed.

There are numerous private clinics dedicated to sports rehabilitation and physiotherapy, many offering electrotherapy and ultrasound treatments as well as manual physio. An English-speaking service is offered by Zoe Queally, a specialist in muscular and skeletal problems and the rehabilitation of post-spinal ailments and sport injuries (www.thebigproject.co.uk/pilates/index.htm).