What to Expect at Your First Physio Appointment

Taking the first step towards recovery can feel uncertain, especially if you’re in pain. Your initial physiotherapy consultation is a structured assessment, carefully designed to establish your baseline and build a clear plan for your treatment.

We find that when you understand exactly what the process involves, it helps to reduce any uncertainty. This way, you can take an active and confident part in your recovery right from day one.

Preparing for Your Appointment

At Recover Physio, we encourage you to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time. This gives you a moment to relax in our waiting area, allowing you to go into your appointment feeling calm and ready to get the most from your session.

Please bring along any documents that might help us understand your health history. This may include:

• Any current medication list with dosages

• Any previous imaging results (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound scans)

• Any GP referral letters or consultant reports

• Insurance documentation where applicable

• A completed Recover Physio Consent form

It is also important to wear clothing that allows for easy assessment. We recommend loose-fitting athletic clothing that allows free movement. Shorts, leggings, or tracksuit bottoms make it easier for your physio to examine the relevant area. Supportive footwear can also be helpful if we need to conduct gait analysis or functional testing.

The Initial Consultation: Understanding Your Story

Your assessment always starts with a comprehensive history, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Your physiotherapist will listen to your story and ask about your symptoms: when they began, how they have progressed, what aggravates them, and what eases them. We also review your work and leisure activities to identify any contributing factors. Understanding your daily demands, whether from desk-based tasks or sport, is essential for informing your treatment plan. We will also document any previous treatments (like medication, imaging, or other therapies) to understand your treatment history and responses.

The Physical Assessment: What We Look For

After discussing your history, your physiotherapist will conduct a physical examination. This evaluates multiple systems using standardised tests to get to the root of the problem.

This typically involves:

• Range of Motion Assessment: We measure your joint mobility (known as goniometry). We look at both active (you move) and passive (we move you) movements to show any restrictions and pain responses.
• Strength Testing: Your strength is assessed using manual testing or specialist equipment (dynamometry). We also observe your functional strength during movements under load.
• Neurological Screening: We check reflexes, sensation, and neural tension to see if a nerve is involved. We may also use specific orthopaedic tests to identify possible structural issues.
• Postural Analysis: Your standing and seated posture are assessed to identify any alignment factors that might be contributing to your symptoms. We also observe your dynamic control as you move.
• Functional Movement Screening: Based on your needs, we test task-specific movements, such as lifting mechanics, stair navigation, or sport-specific patterns.

Your Safety and Comfort are Our Priority

We understand that it’s common to worry about pain, especially when you’re already uncomfortable. Please be assured that your safety and comfort are prioritised throughout your session.

Our assessment and treatment are designed to be comfortable and safe.

• You are in control: All testing stays within your pain tolerance to avoid flare-ups. Your physiotherapist will check in about your comfort levels , but you can communicate any discomfort or ask to stop an assessment at any time.
• Gentle and controlled: We use gentle, controlled movements to gather information without harming tissue. Our professional training ensures we recognise any contraindications (reasons not to perform a test) and apply appropriate force.
• No worsening the problem: When applied appropriately, physiotherapy does not make your condition worse. The assessment identifies your safe movement ranges to protect you from flare-ups.
• Gradual progression: Any treatment started in your first session is conservative and symptom-monitored. Progression is gradual ; more intensive work usually follows in subsequent sessions as your tolerance allows.
• Open communication: Communication is continuous. If you do experience a setback, it is addressed promptly and your plan is adjusted.

Creating Your Personalised Treatment Plan

Following the assessment, we work with you to set clear, achievable goals.

• Short-term goals focus on symptom control and restoring basic function.
• Long-term goals target a full return to your chosen activities and, most importantly, prevention of future issues.

Your treatment plan will use evidence-based interventions specific to your diagnosis. We will select the most suitable combination of manual therapy, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies based on your assessment findings. We will also discuss the recommended frequency and duration of your appointments, tailored to your condition and aims, with a full explanation of the treatment protocols.

Common Treatments We May Use

Your initial treatment is focused on starting your recovery and may include:

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, and myofascial release to address movement restrictions and tissue tension. These techniques remain gentle and progress according to your tissue response.
• Exercise Prescription: We will prescribe specific strengthening, stretching, and mobility exercises to target the impairments we identified. Your home exercise programme starts with simple, safe movements and builds towards functional activities.
• Education and Advice: Understanding pain and the healing process is a powerful tool for self-management. We provide posture, activity modification, and ergonomic guidance to address contributing factors.
• Electrotherapy Modalities: If appropriate for your condition, TENS, muscle stimulation, or Shockwave therapy may be used. Everything will be explained before use, and you can always choose not to have this form of treatment if you prefer not to.

What Happens at the End of Your Session

Your initial consultation ends with a clear plan and immediate management strategies.

You will be given a home exercise programme, which includes a demonstration and written guidance for safe practice. At Recover Physio, we also provide reminders of your prescribed exercises using our software to support your home management between sessions.

You will receive guidance on what to expect after treatment and any warning signs that mean you should get in touch. We will also explain how and when to book your next appointment , with follow-up scheduling based on your condition, goals, and availability.

A structured assessment provides a thorough evaluation and removes uncertainty. Our professional expertise is here to guide your safe and effective progress towards your goals. Understanding the process helps you participate fully, optimising your treatment outcomes through a collaborative approach.