What to expect from your first physiotherapy consultation.
Never been to a physiotherapist? Want to know what happens from the time you walk in the door to the time you leave it? Find out here what usually happens when you go to see the physiotherapist.
THE INITIAL CONSULTATION
This consultation is usually the first time you have met your physiotherapist for a new injury. At The Physio Alliance, we like to offer up to 45 minutes, to ensure you are provided with the time to be heard, to provide a thorough assessment, and offer treatment, as well as plan of action, which may include an exercise program. We would want to know that when you leave a consultation, that you are clear on what you need to do and what to expect for your recovery.
If you are brand new to the clinic, it is usually worthwhile to arrive a few minutes earlier to fill out any patient forms and hand over any relevant paperwork (such as referrals or imaging reports) so that your time with the physiotherapist is not shortened.
THE INTERVIEW
This is usually your chance to tell us about your pain or injury. The more we know, the more we have the chance to help you. It is also ok if you do not know what information you need to give - as a physiotherapist, I will prompt you with questions if I think I need any more information. It is also part of our responsibility to make sure you are in the right place for your condition or injury - so we may even ask questions in relation to your medical history just in case we need you refer you to another healthcare professional.
THE ASSESSMENT
Once I gather the information I need, I become a detective. I have a few potential suspects of what is causing the pain from the valuable information in the interview. I need to go through a series of tests to determine what the pain or injury is, where it could be coming from and more importantly, the recovery time and the steps to take to become pain free.
These tests may involve asking you to move your body in different positions or ranges, it may involve myself as the physiotherapist asking to move your limbs in different positions. It could involve lying on the bed or going into the gym area and performing an activity. This is why it is usually a good idea to wear clothes that are easy to move in and easy to see the body in, like a singlet and a pair of sports shorts. It may even be a good idea to bring in the shoes you would normally wear so that I can understand the potential influence that your footwear may have on your pain.
A physiotherapist’s best tool are their hands; we have had years of training, followed by years of experience with knowing what to feel for with our hands. It is not uncommon for a physiotherapist to place their hands on your body - this can help the physiotherapist to pinpoint the location of pain, perform special testing to determine structural integrity of joints, ligaments or muscles and provide information on tension or stiff points in the body. Do know that you can always let me know if you are not comfortable with having a hands on approach; a physiotherapist is quite good at modifying the assessment to get the information we need.
THE EDUCATION AND ADVICE
By this stage, I should have a few ideas as to what is going on, what the injury is and this is usually known as a diagnosis. Just like with any murder mysteries (which as you can tell, I have presented a physiotherapy problem as such), there can be quite obvious answers to your pain, but there can also be some complexities that may make it hard to know exactly what is going on. Thankfully, this is few and far in between and there are many resources and amazing health professionals out there that we can refer you to if you require more specialised care.
You will be provided with an explanation of what is going on, why it may happen and an understanding of how long it may take as well as the steps required for recovery.
THE TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT
At The Physio Alliance, it will usually be discussed with you what is recommended for the best way to manage your injury. It may be soft tissue or massage therapy, joint mobilisation or manipulation, maybe even some dry needling or acupuncture. It may be that you need to have some taping to support your muscles or joints for a short period of time. You have the chance to also contribute your thoughts on what will help your recovery. Most importantly, no treatment is performed until you are well informed of what the treatment is, how it helps you, and how you may feel post-treatment. If you do not offer your consent to a treatment, you will be offered an alternative option.
After your treatment, there should be an improvement in your pain, mobility and/or function. Depending on the nature of your injury, you will then be provided with a treatment plan, that may include some stretches, strength or activation exercises or some tips to manage your pain when you go home. You only have less than an hour with me; you are then spending the next 23 hours with your injury, so you also need to have the tools to aid your recovery too!
RECOMMENDATIONS ON FOLLOW UP
I will usually recommend when is advisable to follow up and why. Sometimes you may need to come in within the same week, or not for another fortnight. It all depends on what the injury is and how it usually heals that we then know to prescribe the exercises at the most appropriate time. I will always inform you as to why I have advised when to see you, and will give you a plan B if life makes it difficult for you to come in when you need. It may also be that you do not need to follow up with me and then can inform everyone I am a physiotherapy wizard!! At the end of the day though, it is your decision and I am always here to work with you.
All bookings can be made whilst you are in the clinic, or you can go online to our website and book on our online booking system. You are also more than welcome to drop me an email or a call to also organise an appointment in future.
I hope this answers all your questions about what to expect from a physiotherapy consultation. Book now with the button below so that we can help you get to pain free!
