What Really Happens in Your First Physio Appointment

Feeling a little anxious on that first appointment for physiotherapy? Most patients feel the same way, thinking that it will either hurt or be too difficult. We have seen many cases where someone walks into our clinic with an injury, chronic pain, post surgical rehabilitation, or just some minor aches due to poor posture while doing desk jobs. 

The very first appointment is not all about treatment, it is all about assessment. We need to know about your body movement, origin of pain, and limitation factors. It’s nothing much to worry about. It’s just a first step to recovery.

A Clear Look at Your First Visit to Physio Appointment

What does your first physio session involve? Most people assume it will be rigorous therapy straight off. However, it is a lot slower and straightforward, as it aims at correctly assessing the problem in order to make the correct diagnosis and recovery plan for your needs.

• Firstly we discuss your complaint, its background, symptoms, triggers, relief from it, activities you do and your general lifestyle.
• A short physical examination will follow, which consists of posture check, joint mobility, flexibility, muscle strength and even balance in certain cases.
• The next step would be making you carry out certain movements such as bending, walking, reaching with your hands, in order to assess your bodily response to these actions.
• Finally we will explain our findings to you in comprehensible words without any confusing medical jargon.
• It might be that the initial light treatment begins much like ordinary pain management techniques or movement therapy, but this is not the case all the time.
• Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to think of what you should do next, an exercise routine or any other therapy according to your needs.
• Additionally, you will have enough time to ask questions as there is no rush.

Some Useful Tips for You

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing for ease of movement.
• Bring any previous medical records and images, if available.
• Be truthful about your pain and regular activities.
• No need to panic; ask as many questions as possible.
• Follow strictly to the general advice offered after examination.

Binding Off

Your first physiotherapy session should not be something that intimidates you or stresses you out. In fact, all that is involved at this stage is comprehending the condition fully and then creating a detailed plan to deal with it. 

All procedures are done systematically, depending on your requirements. There is absolutely no need to undergo rigorous treatment during the very first session; all that needs to be done is getting familiarized with your condition.