What to Expect from Your First Physiotherapy Appointment

If you've never seen a physiotherapist before, it's natural to wonder what will happen during your first appointment. Many people arrive nervous or unsure whether their problem is 'bad enough' to need treatment. Here's a straightforward guide to what your initial assessment involves — so you can arrive prepared and get the most out of it.

**What happens in your first session:** **Subjective assessment (about 15 minutes)** We'll discuss your current problem in detail — where the pain or problem is, when it started, what makes it better or worse, your medical history, and your goals. The more information you can give, the more tailored your treatment will be. **Objective assessment (about 20 minutes)** We'll observe your posture and movement, test your range of motion and strength, and perform specific clinical tests relevant to your condition. We may also look at how you walk, run, or perform sport-specific movements. **Diagnosis and treatment plan (about 10 minutes)** We'll explain what we've found in plain language — what's happening, why, and how we're going to address it. You'll leave with a clear diagnosis, a treatment plan, and your first home exercise program. **Initial treatment** Depending on your condition and presentation, we may begin hands-on treatment or exercise in the first session. **What to bring:** - Comfortable clothing that allows access to the affected area - Any relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI reports) - A list of current medications - Any referral letter from your GP **How many sessions will you need?** This varies widely. Simple acute injuries may resolve in 3-5 sessions. Complex or chronic conditions may take 10-20 sessions over several months. We'll give you a realistic estimate at your first appointment.