Your first appointment will start with an initial assessment and can take up to 60-minutes including treatment.
Our physiotherapists will ask you detailed questions about your pain or injury and what are your goals for treatment. This could include questions regarding past injuries, your general health, medication, your job, hobbies and more importantly, what you have been struggling with since having your injury.
Once your physiotherapist has built up a good picture in their head about what might be going on, then they will go into a physical examination.
What does a Physical Examination involve?
A physical examination is simply where your physiotherapist will ask you to complete a set of movements, for example, of your shoulder or problem area to see which movements might be restricted or causing your pain.
Next your physiotherapist may do several physical tests to determine things such as your:
- Range of Motion (mobility and flexibility)
- Strength
- Ligament and Joint stability
- Reflexes, Sensation
- Nerve Tests
- Swelling
- Palpation (which specific ligaments, bones, joints, tendons are tender to touch
Your physiotherapist will have many tests that target certain structures which are a good indicator of confirming a diagnosis. These tests are designed to help them diagnose your pain or injury, and then determine the best treatment plan for your condition.
After your physiotherapist has completed the initial physical examination, they will explain exactly what is going on and the reason for the pain you are having. They will discuss the different treatment techniques and advice that will help you with your rehabilitation. Understanding your condition allows you to take a direct and positive role in your recovery.
What will the treatment involve?
Specific exercises that are to be done during your physiotherapy session.
- a home exercise program or specific strategies to manage and improve your symptoms between visits
- the use of heat (eg. a hot pack) or cold (eg. ice)
- Acupuncture or Functional Dry Needling
- Manual Therapy (massage, soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisation, spinal manipulation)
- Stretching
The physiotherapist will carry out some treatment after the physical examination, such as soft tissue massage or joint mobilisations in this initial appointment to see how you respond. You will also be given a few exercises and advice on things they would like you to do at home before your next session.
What should you wear to your first physiotherapy session?
It is advisable to wear a top that is baggy enough to move out of the way. For the lower body, either shorts or jogging bottoms are suitable. You may be asked by the physiotherapist to remove certain clothing but if you feel uncomfortable, please let your therapist know and they can work around this.
How do I plan future appointments?
At the end of the appointment, your physiotherapist will discuss what they think would be suitable to help your recovery. This could be the number of sessions they recommend you take and how many sessions per week. Your physiotherapist will leave you with a treatment plan and will happily review you again if this is required.
At Home Physio Group, our Physiotherapists can create a custom program for you at your Initial appointment. For more information, please contact us on 0330 335 1016 or alternatively please fill out our contact sheet and we will get back to you.