If you’ve booked your first physiotherapy appointment — congratulations! You’ve taken an important step toward improving your mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing your quality of life.
But if you’re unsure about what actually happens during a physiotherapy visit, you’re not alone. Many first-time clients feel a bit nervous or uncertain walking into their appointment. At ProHeal Physio Clinic, we believe in transparency, education, and making you feel as comfortable and informed as possible.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during your initial physiotherapy assessment and how we help you get started on the path to recovery.
1. Health History & Conversation
Your first session starts with a one-on-one conversation with your registered physiotherapist. We’ll ask about your:
- Current concerns (e.g., pain, injury, mobility issues)
- Medical history, surgeries, or diagnoses
- Lifestyle (work, exercise, sleep, stress)
- Goals (e.g., return to sport, daily function, pain relief)
This is your opportunity to share your story — how your symptoms affect your daily life, what makes them worse or better, and what you hope to achieve.
2. Physical Assessment
Next, your physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive physical exam tailored to your concerns. This might include:
- Postural and gait analysis
- Range of motion testing
- Joint stability and flexibility
- Muscle strength and tone
- Neurological screening (if needed)
- Functional movement assessment
We may take notes, use diagrams, or even use movement screens to track your baseline so we can monitor progress over time.
3. Education & Explanation
Once we’ve gathered information, we’ll sit down and explain our findings in plain language. You’ll learn:
- What we believe is contributing to your issue
- How your body is currently functioning
- What needs to improve (mobility, strength, posture, etc.)
- How physiotherapy will help
We’ll also answer your questions honestly and help you understand your condition better — because informed patients recover faster.
4. Treatment Plan Creation
Your physiotherapist will then outline a personalized treatment plan. This plan will include:
- Frequency and duration of sessions
- Types of treatment (manual therapy, exercise, modalities)
- Specific goals
- Timeline for recovery
- At-home strategies and exercises
5. Initial Treatment
In many cases, we’ll begin treatment right in the first session, including:
- Manual therapy
- Heat, ice, or TENS modalities
- Therapeutic exercises
- Postural corrections
- Pain relief techniques
6. Home Exercise Program
You’ll get a custom home program that includes:
- Stretches
- Strengthening exercises
- Posture and mobility drills
- Tips to modify daily activities
7. Next Steps & Follow-Ups
At the end of the session:
- We’ll discuss how often you should come back
- Book your next appointment
- Explain coverage and answer any questions
Ready to Take the First Step?
Book your physiotherapy assessment with ProHeal Physio Clinic in Hamilton and begin your journey to recovery with a caring and experienced team.