What can I expect when I visit a physiotherapist for the first time?
Introduction
If you’ve never visited a physiotherapist before, it can be a little intimidating. But don’t worry! We’ll take the guesswork out of the process by walking you through what to expect when you first visit us. We’ll also give some tips on how to choose the best physio for your needs and how to get the most out of your treatment sessions.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is the treatment of physical problems, such as pain and stiffness, by manipulation of the body. It can also be used to improve your mobility and help you recover from injury or illness. Physiotherapists use their knowledge about anatomy and physiology to treat a wide range of problems such as:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Balance issues
- Sports injuries
- Recovering from surgery
Does my doctor have to refer me to a physiotherapist?
No, your doctor does not have to refer you to a physiotherapist.
Physiotherapists are not legally required to work with or under the supervision of a doctor. If your physiotherapist wants your referral for treatment, it’s probably because he or she thinks that having a second opinion from another professional will help improve your care. But ultimately it’s up to you and your healthcare provider if this is something that makes sense for you.
How do I know if I need physiotherapy?
If you have physical pain, stiffness, or movement problems, then physiotherapy could be the right treatment for you.
- Physiotherapists can help with a wide variety of problems including:
- Sports injuries (e.g. tennis elbow)
- Postural problems (e.g. back pain)
- Recovery from surgery or an accident
How do I choose a good physiotherapist?
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a physiotherapist. For example, you should look for a physiotherapist with experience in your condition. Someone who has treated other patients with your injury or condition is likely to be able to provide you with an effective management plan. In addition, it’s important that the physiotherapist can give you good advice about how to care for yourself at home between visits.
Finally, it’s important that the physiotherapist can accommodate your schedule and availability for appointments on short notice because there may be times when you need treatment urgently and cannot wait until the next scheduled visit.
What can I expect when I visit a physiotherapist for the first time?
When you arrive at your appointment, you can expect to be greeted by the physiotherapist. They will ask you some questions about what has brought you in and your medical history. They may also examine your condition, which is necessary so they can assess how best to help you.
After this initial assessment, some physiotherapists will offer advice on how long it’s likely to take for your condition to improve or how often sessions are needed before that happens. The treatment plan may include exercises for home practice (called “home care”) or for use during therapy sessions (called “progressive activities”).
What questions should I ask my physiotherapist before treatment starts?
- What is the problem and how will you treat it?
- What are the goals of treatment?
- Will the treatment be painful?
- How long will it take?
- Will I need to do any exercises at home?
- Will I need to come back for more sessions?
Physiotherapy is the treatment of physical problems by manipulation of the body. You can be referred by your doctor or consult directly with a physio.
Physiotherapy is the treatment of physical problems by manipulation of the body. You can be referred by your doctor or consult directly with a physio.
Here’s a brief overview of what to expect when you visit a physiotherapist for the first time:
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you understand what to expect when you visit a physiotherapist for the first time. Let us know below if you have any questions or concerns!