What To Expect From Your Appointment

Patient using resistance bands
Woman doing yoga on a mat
Clutching foot with plantar pain

If you’ve never been to a physiotherapist before then you may be wondering what to expect from your physiotherapy consultation.

Initial Physiotherapy Assessment

 These are designed for anyone with a musculo-skeletal problem who has not already had the problem assessed by us, or who has not been seen in our clinic for over 6 months and has a new condition.  We know that it is vital to allow sufficient time to be able to form a strong physio/client collaboration and be able to provide a first class service, which is why our initial appointments usually take around 45 minutes. In the assessment we will thoroughly discuss the symptoms you are experiencing, along with any concerns and anxieties you may have about them, carry out an in depth examination and allow time to discuss our findings with you. Then we will formulate an agreed plan of action with you, discuss your treatment aims and begin a treatment programme.

 

Some things you can do to prepare for your appointment:

    • Make a list of the symptoms you’re experiencing and that has caused you to make the appointment. You may wish to include other ‘odd’ symptoms that have also come on since.

    • Think back to when your symptoms started and make a list of any changes that may have occurred in your life at the time that may be of interest (e.g. change in work, running trainer, exercise regime etc.)

    • Make a list of medical conditions, allergies and medications that you have.

    • Make a list of any questions that you want to ask at this stage.

    • Consider what goals you would like to achieve from your sessions.

It would be helpful if you could bring shorts if the issue is related to your back, hip or knee and, for females, a strap top can be helpful if an issue is related to your upper back or shoulders. This is because your therapist will likely need to inspect the area of injury, as well as other joints that may be contributing to your condition.

 

Follow Up Appointment

These sessions typically last for about half an hour. We will check how you are progressing, continue with any agreed treatments such as joint mobilisations or soft tissue techniques. Teach exercises as required, offer advice and reassurance.  We aim where possible, to get you to a point where you are symptom free and able to return to your usual activities/sport/work. However, if we don’t think this is achievable, we will let you know.  We will always give you self-management strategies too. These may involve exercises, postural advice and lifestyle adjustments to help you take control of your symptoms. We believe that information is empowering and will provide you with as much knowledge about your condition as possible.

 

Maintenance or Top-up Sessions

Occasionally people find it beneficial to come into the physiotherapy clinic for top-up or maintenance sessions. These may help you if you have a chronic or long term problem causing pain, stiffness or mobility problems and have previously been treated by us. These sessions allow you to touch base with your physiotherapist for hands on treatment, exercise or lifestyle advice, motivation or reassurance. As with the follow up sessions these typically last for half an hour.