Most likely, as a new patient in physiotherapy, you would be asking questions about what the treatment involves. It might be healing from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or even enhancing mobility; your first physiotherapy session is a step towards getting healthy again. Knowing what to expect makes the treatment more comfortable and reassuring as you start. Here is a breakdown of what to expect from the first physiotherapy session.
First Consultation and Paper work
Before you actually attend your treatment session, you will be required to fill out some paper work; it might include your medical history forms and information about the current condition in which you are facing. Be prepared for details about:
- History of any previous injuries or surgeries.
- All medicines you are taking.
- Nature of symptoms: when symptoms started, the severity, what makes them better/worse.
- Your lifestyle, general daily activities, and physical limitations.
Consultations with Your Physiotherapist
Your physiotherapist will first start consulting you regarding your concerns over health matters, goals, and expectations. For example, he/she may be asking you.
- What brought you to physiotherapy?
- How do you connect to this situation in your daily life?
- How are your pain levels, and where have you really felt the pain?
This will make your physiotherapist clearly understand exactly what you need, and from that, a suitable treatment plan will be made.
Physical Examination
Physical examination based on history, and this will comprise of
- Positioning and postures: The way you sit, stand, or even walk.
- Range of motion test: The range by which you can move.
- Muscle strength test: Identify how strong your muscles are.
- Functional movement analysis: Take your time slowly and observe how you move around on some simple movements like walking, bending, or lifting.
- Palpation: Light touch examination of areas that are tense, swollen, or painful.
The above assessment will inform the physiotherapist about the cause of the problem and where to make improvements.
Explanation of Findings and Treatment Plan
Your physiotherapist will explain their findings after evaluation. They will tell you:
- Underlying causes of your symptoms.
- How physiotherapy may help in improving your condition.
- A treatment plan to outline how regularly and for what period you should attend sessions.
- Lifestyle alterations or precautions adopted.
Feel free to ask anything that you will have a question regarding your problem or the different available treatments so that you remain well-informed of your ailment and various available treatment options.
Hands-On Treatment
The treatment might be of another intensity, according to the condition. You might receive some simple treatments during your first visit. Some of them are as follows:
Manual therapy: It includes hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, or soft tissue release, which may help to reduce the pain and extend the range of motion.
Therapeutic exercises: strengthening, flexibility, and general movement by guidance.
Modalities for pain relief: Heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or dry needling.
All these will be led by your physiotherapist, and they will ensure that all these are safe and effective for you.
Home Exercise Program
Your physio in Preston shall give you some exercises that you should be doing at home apart from treatment in the clinic. These shall be part of your recovery, and most probably an assurance of what is done within the sessions is substantial. Some of the most common ones include
- Stretching routines
- Strength-building exercises
- Postural corrections
- Balance and coordination exercises
Be consistent with your home exercises and heed any advice your physiotherapist gives you.
Plan of Care
Before the end of your session, your physiotherapist will discuss the plan of care with you, such as:
- Scheduling follow-up appointments
- Estimate of the time it takes to recover.
- Lifestyle adjustments that can support your recovery.
- How to monitor symptoms between visits.
How to Prepare for Your First Physiotherapy Session
To get the most out of your visit, here are some tips:
- Wear clothes that are loose-fitting, comfortable, and allow easy access to the area affected.
- Bring any medical records or referral notes, if applicable.
- Come at least a few minutes early to complete paperwork.
- Be open to discussing pain levels and worries.
- Be patient with the process and set achievable goals.
Final Thoughts
Physiotherapy in Preston, VIC is a step towards better movement, strength, and wellbeing for you. Healing is not overnight; however, following the suggestions made by your physiotherapist will most certainly benefit you for maximum improvement. In case you know what to expect during the process, you can expect your treatment confidently while taking the right participation in healing.
