Your first physiotherapy appointment: what to expect

Before you arrive

A first physiotherapy appointment is mostly a conversation and an examination, so there is little you need to prepare. A few things make it run more smoothly:

• Wear or bring comfortable clothing. Shorts for a hip, knee, ankle or foot problem; a vest or loose top for a neck, shoulder or back problem. We have a private treatment room, and you will only be asked to remove what is needed to see the area properly.
• Bring anything relevant. A list of your current medication, any scan or X-ray reports, letters from your GP or consultant, and your insurance pre-authorisation if you are claiming.
• Think about your story. When the pain started, what makes it better or worse, what you have tried, and what you would like to get back to. These answers shape the plan.
• Arrive a few minutes early. You will be asked to complete a short health questionnaire and consent form if you have not done so online.

If you are booking for someone under 18, please contact us before booking. A parent or guardian gives consent and attends the appointment.

The assessment

Your initial assessment and treatment appointment is 40 minutes. If you have several problem areas, more than one injury or a long history, we may suggest a longer complex initial assessment instead; details are on our fees page.

The appointment usually runs in three parts:

1. History. Your physiotherapist asks about your symptoms, your general health, your work and activity, and your goals. This is often the most useful part of the session, so do not worry about giving too much detail.
2. Physical examination. We look at how you move, test the strength and flexibility of the muscles and joints involved, and check the nerves where relevant. Some tests may reproduce your pain briefly; tell us if anything is too uncomfortable and we will adapt.
3. Explanation. Before any treatment starts, your physiotherapist explains what they think is going on, what is likely to help and what the options are. Ask as many questions as you like.

Most musculoskeletal problems can be assessed by examination alone. Where a scan would change what we do, your physiotherapist can arrange fast-track X-ray or MRI through our imaging partner.

The 3D posture scan

As a current offer, every initial assessment includes a complimentary scan with our 3D posture analyser. You stand on a mat for a few seconds while the system captures your posture from the front, side and back; there are no markers and no radiation, and the report is ready straight away.

The scan is a tool rather than a diagnosis. It gives an objective picture of head position, shoulder height, pelvic tilt and knee alignment, which your physiotherapist combines with the hands-on examination to decide what matters for your symptoms. It can be repeated later to track change. Offers may change, so please check the fees page for what is included when you book.

Treatment in the same visit

In most cases treatment begins in the first appointment. Depending on what we find, that may include:

• hands-on manual therapy, such as joint mobilisation or soft-tissue work
• the first exercises of a home programme, with written or video instructions
• advice on activity, work set-up, sleep or pacing while things settle
• taping, dry needling or clinic equipment such as interferential therapy or focused shockwave, where appropriate and with your agreement

Some people feel a little sore for a day or two after a first session, particularly after hands-on treatment or new exercises. This usually settles. If you are unsure whether what you are feeling is expected, message us.

Your plan

At the end of the session you will have a working diagnosis, a plan and a rough idea of how many follow-up sessions are likely. Follow-ups are 30 minutes and focus on progressing treatment and exercises. How many you need depends on the problem and how long it has been going on; see our guide on how many physiotherapy sessions you may need. Where a course of treatment is recommended, pre-paid packages are available; prices are on the fees page.

Outcomes vary from person to person. We review progress at every visit and adjust the plan if it is not moving in the right direction, which may include involving another member of the team, such as our chiropractor, or arranging a medical opinion.

Insurance

You do not need a GP referral to book privately. If you plan to use private medical insurance, your insurer decides what is covered and whether pre-authorisation is needed, so please check with us before you book: send your pre-authorisation by WhatsApp, WeChat or email, and once we have confirmed it we will tell you how to book, usually online. More detail is on our insurance page.

When to book

If pain or stiffness is affecting your work, sleep or exercise, has lasted more than a couple of weeks, or keeps coming back, an initial assessment is a sensible first step. You can book online through our booking system, or message us on WhatsApp or WeChat if you would like to ask something first. Our clinic is on Southampton Row in Bloomsbury, a few minutes' walk from Russell Square and Holborn.

If your pain followed an injury and is severe, call us for a same-day assessment and we can arrange imaging if needed. For more severe symptoms, such as a suspected broken bone, go straight to A&E, and call 999 for life-threatening signs.