What to Expect at Your First Physiotherapy Appointment
Your first physiotherapy appointment typically lasts 45-60 minutes and involves comprehensive assessment followed by initial treatment. Understanding what to expect reduces anxiety and helps you prepare effectively. This guide covers the assessment process, what to bring, how to prepare, and what happens during your initial session with a physiotherapist.
What happens during the first physiotherapy appointment?
The first physiotherapy appointment includes detailed health history discussion, physical assessment of your condition, diagnosis explanation, treatment plan discussion, and initial hands-on treatment if appropriate. Your physiotherapist spends 10-15 minutes on history, 20-30 minutes on physical assessment, and 15-20 minutes on treatment and education.
Assessment process:
Health History - Your physiotherapist asks about current symptoms, how injury occurred, previous treatments tried, medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors affecting recovery.
Physical Examination - Assessment includes observing movement, testing flexibility, measuring strength, checking sensation, assessing balance, and identifying movement patterns contributing to pain.
Diagnosis and Explanation - Your physiotherapist explains findings, provides diagnosis, discusses prognosis, and answers questions about your condition.
Treatment Plan - Discussion covers treatment approach, expected session frequency, estimated recovery timeline, home exercise requirements, and any restrictions.
Initial Treatment - Most physiotherapists provide some hands-on treatment during the first session including manual therapy, exercise instruction, or pain relief techniques.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring your GP referral letter if you have one, health insurance details and policy number, list of current medications, previous scan results or reports, comfortable clothing allowing access to affected area, and questions you want to ask written down.
Essential items:
Insurance information - Policy number, provider name, pre-authorization if required
Medical documents - GP referral, scan results (MRI, X-ray), specialist letters
Medication list - Including supplements and pain relief currently taking
Comfortable clothes - Shorts for knee/leg problems, vest for shoulder issues
Questions - Write down concerns to ensure nothing is forgotten
How should I prepare for my first physiotherapy session?
Prepare for your first physiotherapy session by arriving 10 minutes early for paperwork, wearing comfortable clothing, being ready to move and demonstrate movements, thinking about your goals for treatment, and preparing questions about your condition and recovery.
What questions should I ask at my first appointment?
Ask your physiotherapist about the likely cause of your problem, expected recovery timeline, how many sessions you'll need, what you can and can't do during recovery, home exercises you should do, and warning signs to watch for.
Important questions:
What's causing my pain/symptoms?
How long will recovery take?
How many sessions will I need?
What can I do at home to help?
Are there activities I should avoid?
When can I return to sport/work?
What are warning signs I should watch for?
Do I need any scans or referrals?
What should I wear to physiotherapy?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing allowing access to the affected area. For back pain or neck pain, wear a t-shirt or vest. For knee or hip problems, wear shorts. For shoulder issues, wear a vest or loose top allowing shoulder access.
How much does a first physiotherapy appointment cost?
First physiotherapy appointments in London cost £60-£120, typically 20-40% more than follow-up sessions due to longer duration and comprehensive assessment. Private clinics charge £75-£100 average. Sports physiotherapy specialists and West End locations charge £90-£120.
Learn more: Physiotherapy Costs in London
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will my first physiotherapy appointment hurt?
Assessment involves movement and testing which may temporarily increase discomfort but should not cause severe pain. Your physiotherapist works within comfortable limits and stops if something hurts significantly.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, you can bring a family member or friend to your appointment. Some people find this helpful for remembering information or providing support during assessment.
What if I'm too embarrassed to undress?
Physiotherapists are medical professionals accustomed to examining bodies. Only the area being assessed needs exposure. Wear appropriate underwear and inform your physiotherapist if you're uncomfortable.