What will happen during my first appointment?

Your physiotherapist will first assess you. For example, your physiotherapist might ask you about your pain and how it affects your day to day life. He or she might check your muscle strength or the range of movement at the joint that is troubling you. Some of the tests may bring on your pain (this is to help the physiotherapist understand what is causing the pain). Your physiotherapist will also ask you about your goals for treatment.

Once the assessment is completed, your physiotherapist will explain the results and work with you to establish a treatment plan. Your physiotherapist may use 'hands on' treatment during the appointment, but will usually also prescribe an exercise programme for you to do at home. Sticking to this exercise programme is important if you want to give yourself a good chance of recovery. We run exercise classes for some conditions. Some physiotherapists can give steroid injections or requests investigations. On occasion, your physiotherapist may refer you to other specialties for an opinion.

• Please bring along a list of medications you are currently taking.
• If your issue relates to your leg, hip, knee or ankle, please bring a pair of shorts.
• Please be aware that your physiotherapist may ask you to take off your T-shirt (for example to assess the movement of your shoulder blade when you are reaching up with your arm). Please wear a vest if you would feel more at ease this way.