Physiotherapy
What to expect with Physiotherapy
If you have never had physiotherapy or visited us before it can be quite daunting to tell a stranger about you pain and problems. Everyone in the Physio-Answers team you deal with throughout your journey will endeavour to make you as relaxed, comfortable and informed as possible and we welcome any questions or concerns you may have at any time.
The following information will give you an idea of what to expect and how to prepare for your initial assessment and treatment. This will assist us in our goal of helping you achieve the best possible outcome from your physiotherapy.
Preparing for your initial consultation
After you book your initial appointment we will send you a confirmation e-mail with the details. You also receive a reminder the day before your appointment.
So we can examine you effectively and allow the most comprehensive and accurate assessment of your condition it is important to bring some comfortable clothes that make it easier for the therapist to examine the affected area. Shorts or sweat pants and a vest are appropriate. Jeans are not good as they are quite restrictive.
Also bring with you any relevant operation notes, investigation results, medication information etc.
On arrival we will ask you to complete our registration form.
If you are claiming through an insurance company we will need your policy details and perhaps a referral letter.
Your Assessment
Your initial appointment allows time for a comprehensive assessment and treatment.
When you see the physiotherapist they will initially ask you a variety of questions regarding:
- Your symptoms, lifestyle, health, and work
- When and how the problem started
- What makes it better or worse
- What it prevents you doing and how that impacts on your life
- Your expectations of physiotherapy
The physiotherapist will then examine you. This may not be confined to the area of pain or injury but may include other areas that are causing or contributing to the problem. For instance the neck can cause pain in the hand. The physiotherapist will explain what they are doing and ask you how it feels as they perform different tests.
Rest assured that physiotherapists are not here to make your problem more painful! Our examination will take into consideration your level of pain and the techniques and tests used will be adjusted accordingly.
Understanding Your Assessment
At the end of your initial assessment we will discuss our diagnosis and your treatment plan.
We then begin the treatment plan which may include physio for pain relief, increasing movement, relaxing muscles, providing rehabilitation aids and exercises.
We believe that if you understand your problem and its causes then you can contribute more effectively to your own recovery.
Finally, if the problem is not appropriate for physiotherapy or if further investigations are necessary we will advise you accordingly and refer you on as appropriate.