Physiotherapy is an essential way to improve body functionality, mobility and overall standard of life for many of our patients. The process involves a variety of massages, manipulations and exercises that help relieve tension and pain that otherwise wouldn’t have been released.
So now you have your first session booked, it’s time to start preparing for your appointment. If you’ve never had a physiotherapy session, this can be a daunting prospect. This is why we have put together this handy little guide to help ease any anxiety ahead of your first session. Join us in this blog as we outline how to prepare for physiotherapy.
What to Do the Day Before Your Physiotherapy Session
The day before your session is the best time to try and identify where your pain is coming from. If you’re not already aware of exactly where your pain stems from, spend a few minutes trying to work it out. This means you can go into your first session with a good idea of where you want to feel relief, which ultimately helps the physio who is treating you. The more specific you can be with your symptoms and area of pain, the more effective the physio will be.
We would also advise against doing any strenuous physical activity that may cause injury and ultimately be exacerbated by physiotherapy.
On the Day of Your Physiotherapy Session
On the day of your physio session, be sure to have your bag packed and ready with all you may need for your appointment. This might include a change of clothes, potentially some deodorant to freshen up before heading back to work, or whatever you need to make the process as seamless as possible.
Upon Arrival
Upon arriving at the clinic, be sure to settle in. Take a deep breath and familiarise yourself with your surroundings. While the aim of the session is to relieve pain, we want you to feel as comfortable within the clinic as possible. If you are able, arrive early so you have ample time to get to know the clinic. This will ultimately improve your overall experience.
In the Treatment Room
Once you have met your physio and have sat down in the treatment room, it is time to run through your consultation. The physio will ask you a range of questions to help paint a picture of what your pain may be. At this point, this is where you can tell them where you think the pain stems from, along with any additional information you might have on what causes it to increase in tension.
Questions a Physio Might Ask You
The consultation process includes a series of questions the physio will ask to help shape the treatment. These questions might include:
- What do you want to get out of the treatment session?
- Where are you experiencing any pain?
- When did the problem first start?
- Is there anything that could have triggered it?
- When is the problem at its best and at its worst?
What to Wear to a Physiotherapy Session
We recommend that you wear clothing appropriate to the area of treatment you are receiving. For example, if you are due to receive treatment on your legs, we would advise you to wear or bring a pair of shorts. This means our physios can access the treatment area with full effectiveness.
As a general rule of thumb, we recommend that our patients who are booked in for physiotherapy should wear loose fitting clothing for their session. This type of clothing also tends to be more comfortable, ideal for time spent on the treatment table.
Occasionally, and with your consent, we will ask for you to remove or move an item of clothing in order to easily access the area requiring treatment. This is why it is so important that you bring alternative clothing with you if you are coming from somewhere such as the workplace.
lf for religious or personal reasons you wish to not undress, please let your physiotherapist know who will be able to adapt the treatment if necessary and where possible.
Book a Physiotherapy Session Today
If you’re feeling ready to give physiotherapy a go, why not book in for your first session with The Orchard Clinic? Based in Upper Basildon, we help people across Berkshire with their body aches and pains through our wide range of treatments. To book an appointment, please get in touch or book through our website.
