What to Expect During Your First Physiotherapy Assessment
What to Expect During Your First Physiotherapy Assessment
Your first physiotherapy session is mainly about understanding the problem, how it affects you and what a sensible recovery plan should look like.
The conversation comes first
Your physiotherapist will usually begin by asking when the problem started, what makes it better or worse, what treatment you have already tried and what activities are being limited. Relevant medical history, surgery, medication or imaging may also be discussed.
Movement and function assessment
The physical assessment depends on the condition. It can include observing movement, checking range of motion, testing strength, balance or functional tasks and identifying movements that reproduce symptoms. You should be told what is being tested and why.
Setting realistic goals
Good rehabilitation goals are specific to your life. One patient may want to climb stairs comfortably, another may need to return to work and another may be preparing to return to sport. Those goals help determine the priorities of the programme.
Beginning treatment
Where appropriate, treatment may begin during the first visit. That can include guided exercises, movement advice, hands-on techniques or a simple home programme. More complex plans may require the assessment findings to be reviewed first.
What to bring
Bring relevant medical documents if you have them, a list of current medication where relevant and clothing that allows the area to be assessed comfortably. Most importantly, be ready to explain what you want to be able to do again.
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