What is a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment?
Physiotherapy begins with an assessment of the patient's condition. This assessment typically includes a medical history review and a physical examination.
What is the purpose of an Initial Assessment?
The purpose of an Initial Assessment is for the Physiotherapist to fully and clearly understand the patient's problems and the physical basis for the symptoms that cause the patient to complain.
The assessment stage may, in some cases, involve diagnostic tests to better evaluate the patient's condition and develop an effective treatment plan. An Initial Assessment gives the patient the chance to ask the Physiotherapist any questions that they may have. Patient education is key to the success of physiotherapy.
What will happen during the Initial Assessment?
The physiotherapy assessment will begin when the therapist takes a medical history. This is standard procedure for any type of health related problem. They may ask you if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medication. It is important to be as thorough with this information as possible as it may inform a diagnosis.
The Physiotherapist will then ask questions about your present condition. They will want to know when your condition began, how long you have had it and how severe the pain is. Questions regarding your occupation and hobbies may also be asked.
A physical assessment will then be undertaken to determine the clinical diagnosis of your problem. The physiotherapist will discuss with you a proposed treatment plan and will give you an estimate as to the length of treatment required and the proposed outcome of your treatment.
The Initial Assessment will last between 30 – 45 minutes and any subsequent treatment sessions will last for 30 minutes.
What will happen at any subsequent treatment sessions?
If the Physiotherapist has recommended more Physiotherapy treatment you will return to the clinic on a weekly basis for treatment. The Physiotherapist may wish to see you more often than once a week but you will be informed of this during your sessions.
At your Initial Assessment your Physiotherapist will have outlined your treatment plan and discussed treatment options with you and this treatment will begin at the first session after your assessment.
Treatment options may include:
- Acupuncture
- Exercise
- Heat and Cold Therapy
- Manipulation
- Massage
- Stretching
- Taping
- TENS (a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
It may be recommended that you carry out exercises at home to continue your rehabilitation. The Physiotherapist will show you what exercises would be beneficial to you.
At each session you will be asked how you are feeling in general and if you feel your condition is improving or worsening. If you have been prescribed exercises you will be asked of your progress and how often you have been exercising.
The Physiotherapist will always be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your treatment or condition.
