What to Expect at Your First Physiotherapy Appointment

Written by Patrick Moore: GLA:D Certified Physiotherapist

Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury, ongoing pain, recovering from surgery, or simply wanting to move and feel better, booking your first physiotherapy appointment can be an important step towards improving your health and wellbeing.

If you’ve never seen a physiotherapist before, you may be wondering what happens during an appointment. At Gerringong & Kiama Physio, our goal is to make you feel comfortable, listened to, and confident in your treatment plan from the moment you walk through our doors.

When you arrive, our friendly reception team will welcome you and help you complete any necessary paperwork if you haven’t already done so online.

To help us get the most out of your physiotherapy appointment, it’s a good idea to bring:

• Any relevant scans, X-rays, or specialist reports
• A list of medications you are currently taking
• Comfortable clothing that allows us to assess the area of concern
• Your private health insurance card (if applicable)
• GP Medicare management plan (if applicable)

Your first appointment is all about understanding you and your condition.

Your physiotherapist will begin by asking questions about:

• Your symptoms and when they started
• How your injury or condition affects your daily life
• Your medical history
• Your work, sport, and recreational activities
• Your goals for treatment

This conversation helps us gain a clear picture of what’s happening and what you would like to achieve.

Next, your physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment. Depending on your condition, this may include:

• Observing your posture and movement
• Assessing strength, flexibility, and mobility
• Testing joints, muscles, ligaments, and nerves
• Identifying factors that may be contributing to your pain or injury

We always explain what we’re doing and why, ensuring you feel comfortable throughout the physiotherapy assessment.

One of the most important parts of your appointment is helping you understand your condition.

Your physiotherapist will explain:

• What is causing your symptoms
• Why the problem may have developed
• What your recovery is likely to involve
• How long recovery may take
• What you can do to support your progress

We believe that understanding your injury or condition empowers you to take an active role in your recovery. Ready to get some answers about what’s going on? Book an appointment with our Kiama or Gerringong physio team today.

In most cases, treatment will begin during your first visit.

Your treatment may include:

• Hands-on therapy
• Joint mobilisation
• Soft tissue techniques
• Dry needling (where appropriate)
• Exercise prescription
• Movement retraining
• Education and advice

Every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, goals and lifestyle.

Before you leave, your physiotherapist will discuss and provide a clear written plan to manage your injury.

This may include:

• Exercises to complete at home
• Activity modifications
• Diagnosis and prognosis (what is wrong, and how long will it take)
• Advice on pain management
• Follow-up appointments if required
• Referrals to other health professionals if beneficial

Our aim is not only to help you recover but also to help reduce the risk of future injuries and improve your long-term health and performance.