It is natural not to know what to expect when it comes to your first physiotherapy appointment. But you need not be nervous. The process is straightforward and tailored to you as the individual. When you arrive at your physiotherapy appointment, a couple of things will happen, all to tailor your treatment.
Your first physiotherapy appointment is usually focused on understanding your symptoms, assessing how your body is moving, and creating a treatment plan that feels right for you. You can expect discussion, assessment and in many cases, early treatment or advice.
Why You Might Book A First Physiotherapy Appointment
People book physiotherapy appointments for a range of reasons. And for good reason. Physio is often the choice many turn to when they need a practical and personalised solution for dealing with pain, stiffness, injury, reduced mobility, or recurring discomfort.
Common conditions treated by physiotherapy include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Sports injuries
- Muscle tension
- Reduced movement or mobility
What Happens During Your First Physiotherapy Appointment
During your first physiotherapy session, your professional physio will follow a rough five-step process to help get a better picture of the cause and how to treat it.
- A Conversation About Symptoms, Pain, Medical History, And Lifestyle
This is standard, as it is with most medical appointments. Before you arrive, have a think about this to ensure you don’t forget anything.
- Questions About When The Problem Started And What Makes It Better Or Worse
Being able to pinpoint what caused the pain is very helpful for your physiotherapist. The more detail you can provide, the better.
- A Physical Assessment, Which May Include Posture, Movement, Strength, Flexibility, Or Range Of Motion
Now that they have all the information, they will then perform a physical assessment. This is to test your current range of movement and other metrics. This will act as a benchmark for treatment.
- A Clear Explanation Of What The Physiotherapist Thinks May Be Happening
Now that they have the full picture, they will then provide their verdict on what they think is the problem.
- Initial Advice Or Treatment Recommendations
Your physiotherapist will then provide advice on treatment and make professional recommendations on the next steps.
What To Wear To A Physiotherapy Appointment
When attending any physio appointment, you should try to wear something comfortable, preferably loose-fitting. This will help with assessing your range of movement, etc. We advise that you wear shorts if your problem area is the hip, knee or leg.
For upper body injuries or discomfort, wear a vest or sleeveless top. Equally, a loose-fitting t-shirt will also suffice. Should you anticipate any movement tests, comfortable footwear is advisable.
Throughout the course of your appointment, your physio will guide you through everything they’re looking to assess to ensure you’re comfortable.
How Long Is A First Physiotherapy Appointment?
Your first physiotherapy appointment is likely to be longer in duration than your typical follow-up appointment. This is due to the additional assessment and planning required in the beginning. A first physio appointment can take up to 60 minutes, with follow-up appointments as short as 30 minutes. This is ample time to allow the physiotherapist to understand the full picture.
How To Prepare Before Your Appointment
There are a few things you can do to properly prepare for your first physiotherapy appointment, which will make it go as smoothly as possible. Essentially, what you can do as a patient to maximise the quality of care you receive. You should aim to gather information to help your physio with their assessment.
How to prepare for your appointment:
- Make a note of symptoms and when they began
- Think about what makes them better or worse
- Bring any relevant scan results, referral letters, or medication information if applicable
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Arrive a few minutes early if possible
You don’t need to have all the answers before you arrive at the clinic, but it is good to think about them in preparation. Regardless, your physiotherapist will guide the conversation to help determine the appropriate info.
What Happens After Your First Appointment?
After you’ve attended your first appointment, you will leave with a few takeaways. You will have a clearer understanding of what might be causing the issue/discomfort, as well as advice on the next steps of your recovery.
Your physiotherapist will likely provide you with a treatment plan or recommendation for a follow-up session. This treatment plan may include exercises or self-management support where appropriate.
Your physiotherapist will focus on improving movement, reducing pain and supporting long-term wellbeing. It is important to remember that if provided with exercises to carry out at home, they must be done to aid your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Physiotherapy Hurt?
Good physiotherapy should be appropriate to your comfort level, though some movements may feel slightly uncomfortable depending on the issue.
Do I Need A GP Referral For Physiotherapy?
In many cases, you do not need a GP referral for physiotherapy.
How Many Physiotherapy Sessions Will I Need?
The number of physiotherapy sessions you need depends on your condition, goals, and response to treatment.
What If I Feel Nervous About My First Appointment?
It’s perfectly natural to be anxious about trying something new. Physiotherapy appointments are designed to be supportive and tailored to you, so you will quickly find comfort.
Book Your Physiotherapy Appointment At The Orchard Clinic
If you are ready to take the next step, our team at The Orchard Clinic is here to help you feel more comfortable, confident, and supported from your very first appointment. Our highly-trained team is here to help you get the treatment you deserve. For more information, check out our physiotherapy page or get in touch.
