What should you expect at a Physiotherapy appointment?

The first appointment assesses the nature of the pain or injury using physical tests. Future appointments then focus on treatment.

Assessment & Physical Tests

Your first appointment will start with an initial assessment.

A physiotherapist will ask you many detailed questions about your pain or injury and what are your goals for treatment.

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

These tests are designed to help your physiotherapist diagnose your pain or injury, and then determine the best treatment plan for your condition.

Treatment

Your physiotherapy treatment will be based on your diagnosis. We consider education one of the most important aspects of therapy and will provide you with information about your condition and its management. Understanding your condition allows you to take a direct and positive role in your recovery. Treatment may involve:

  • specific exercises that are to be done in the clinic during your visit
  • 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)
  • the use of electrophysical agents (eg. TENS, NMES, IFC, Therapeutic Ultrasound, Low Level Laser, Traction)
  • Acupuncture or Functional Dry Needling
  • Manual Therapy (massage, soft tissue techniques, joint mobilization, spinal manipulation)
  • Stretching
  • Follow-up appointments

You can find out more about these treatments in our treatments section.