FAQ

Your first physiotherapy appointment is a key step toward recovery and understanding your condition. Here’s what you can expect to make the process smooth and stress-free.

You will meet with your therapist and they will go through the following with you:

• Personal Information: You’ll start by providing your personal details, insurance information, and health history. This helps the physiotherapist understand your background and any relevant medical conditions.
• Medical History: The physiotherapist will ask about any past injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions. Be prepared to discuss your symptoms in detail, including when they started, how they affect your daily activities, and if you’ve had any treatments or tests (like X-rays or MRIs).
• Current Symptoms: You’ll be asked about the nature of your pain or discomfort. Your physiotherapist may ask specific questions to help identify the cause of your condition, such as whether your pain is constant or intermittent, sharp or dull, and what activities make it worse or better.

• Posture and Movement Analysis: The physiotherapist will observe your posture, walking pattern (gait), and movement to assess how your body is functioning.
• Palpation: They may gently touch or press on areas of your body to identify tenderness, swelling, or muscle tightness.
• Range of Motion Tests: You’ll be asked to move your joints and limbs through specific ranges to check for any stiffness, pain, or restriction.
• Strength and Flexibility Tests: The physiotherapist may ask you to perform some exercises or movements to assess the strength of your muscles and the flexibility of your joints.

• Based on the assessment, your physiotherapist will provide a working diagnosis of your condition, explaining the underlying cause of your pain or dysfunction.
• They’ll discuss treatment options with you, which may include manual therapy, specific exercises, modalities like ultrasound or heat/cold therapy, and lifestyle recommendations (posture, ergonomics, etc.).
• Your physiotherapist will outline goals for your recovery, including short-term and long-term objectives. They will tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs, taking into account your physical condition, goals, and any limitations you may have.

• Hands-On Therapy: Depending on your condition, the physiotherapist may begin with hands-on treatments like joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, or myofascial release to reduce pain and improve mobility.
• Exercise Prescription: You may be given specific exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and stability. These exercises will be easy to follow and may involve stretching, strengthening, or balance activities.
• Pain Management Techniques: If you’re in pain, the physiotherapist might use modalities like heat, cold packs, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound to help reduce discomfort and inflammation.

• The physiotherapist will educate you on your condition and how to manage it effectively. This may include advice on posture, ergonomics, and activity modifications to avoid aggravating your symptoms.
• You may receive instructions for home exercises and self-care strategies, which will be essential for speeding up recovery and preventing future issues.
• If your condition requires, your physiotherapist may refer you to a specialist (e.g., orthopedic surgeon) or recommend additional tests for further evaluation.

• Treatment Frequency: Based on your condition, the physiotherapist will recommend how often you should come for treatment. Initially, this may be 2-3 times a week, but it will taper off as you improve.
• Follow-Up: After your first visit, you may be scheduled for subsequent sessions, where the physiotherapist will track your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
• Expected Recovery Timeline: You’ll receive a rough timeline for your recovery, depending on the severity of your condition and how your body responds to the treatment plan.

• Medical Records: If you have any recent test results, imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs), or physician notes, bring them with you.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement. For some conditions, you may need to expose the affected area (e.g., shoulder, knee), so dressing in layers is recommended.
• Insurance Information: If you’re using insurance, bring your insurance card and any relevant claim details. Many clinics offer direct billing, so make sure to ask about this option.

• Follow-Up Instructions: Your physiotherapist will guide you on what to do after your session. This may include doing specific exercises at home, applying ice or heat, or avoiding certain activities that could exacerbate your condition.
• Feel Better Soon: It’s normal to feel some soreness after your first physiotherapy session, especially if you’ve received hands-on treatments or started a new exercise routine. This should subside within a day or two, and your physiotherapist will adjust the treatment plan if necessary.

Your first physiotherapy visit is a step toward recovery, and our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Don’t hesitate to ask questions throughout your appointment—your physiotherapist is there to guide and support you every step of the way!