What happens at your first physio appointment

You've booked. Here's what happens, so there are no surprises.

Before you arrive

Wear something you can move in, or bring shorts and a vest top. If the problem is your knee or hip, we'll need to see the leg.

Bring any scan reports or letters if you have them. Have a rough think about when it started and what makes it worse, because those two answers do a lot of work.

The conversation

We'll start by asking about the problem, what you've already tried, and what you're trying to get back to. That last question matters more than people expect. A plan to get through the working week without your back seizing looks nothing like a plan to get back to running.

This part takes longer than people expect, and it's where most of the useful information comes from.

The physical check

We'll look at how you move, test strength, and compare sides where that's useful. Depending on the problem we may check reflexes and sensation.

We'll be looking for what your body has started doing to avoid the painful bit, because those compensations often outlast the original problem.

The explanation

By this point you should get a clear answer about what's going on and why. If we don't know yet, we'll say that too, along with what would help us find out.

If something needs a scan, a GP or a different professional entirely, that's when we'll tell you.

Treatment and your plan

We'll usually start treatment the same day, whether that's hands on work, specific loading or a change to what you're currently doing.

You'll leave with a programme, an honest view of how long this is likely to take, and a clear idea of what to do between now and the next appointment.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the problem, and we'll give you a realistic answer once we've seen you rather than a number now.