What to Expect from Your Initial Physiotherapy Assessment
If you’re considering physiotherapy or have recently booked your first appointment, you might be wondering what actually happens during your initial assessment. I understand that starting something new can feel a little daunting, so I’d like to walk you through exactly what to expect — from your first hello to leaving with a clear, confident plan for your recovery.
A Warm Welcome and Conversation
Your first visit begins with a friendly chat. This is my chance to really get to know you — not just your symptoms, but also how they’re affecting your daily life, hobbies, work, and wellbeing. We’ll talk about when your problem started, what makes it better or worse, and what your goals are. Whether you want to get back to walking, lifting your kids, or simply moving without pain, understanding what matters most to you helps me tailor your care.
A Thorough Physical Assessment
Once we’ve discussed your story, I’ll carry out a detailed assessment to understand what’s going on in your body. This includes:
• Movement and mobility tests – We’ll look at how your joints and muscles move, identifying any stiffness, imbalance, or movement patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms.
• Strength assessment – I’ll gently test the strength of key muscle groups to highlight any areas of weakness or imbalance that may need targeted work.
• Functional movements – Depending on your goals, we may assess specific activities like squatting, walking, or lifting to see how your body performs during everyday movements.
This hands-on, evidence-based assessment helps me pinpoint the root cause of your problem — not just the symptoms.
Setting Meaningful Goals Together
Once I’ve gathered all the information, we’ll discuss what we’ve found and agree on some clear, realistic goals. These goals are entirely personal to you — whether that’s improving flexibility, reducing pain, returning to independence, or enhancing overall mobility. Setting meaningful, measurable goals ensures that every session we do is purposeful and motivating.
Creating a Personalised Treatment Plan
Next, we’ll agree on a treatment plan designed to help you reach your goals efficiently and safely, using evidence based practice. I like to educate you as much as I can, so that you also have a say in what treatment approach you think will best suit you.
I’ll also discuss how many sessions you’re likely to need and how often we should meet, based on your condition and your goals, but the ultimate decision on this will be yours.
Evidence-Based Practice You Can Trust
Every part of your plan is grounded in the latest evidence-based physiotherapy practice. That means the techniques, exercises, and advice I use are supported by high-quality research and clinical experience, giving you confidence that your care is safe, effective, and up-to-date.
Monitoring Progress with Outcome Measures
To make sure we’re moving in the right direction, we’ll use outcome measures to track your progress. This might include range-of-motion measurements, strength tests, or standardised questionnaires. Reviewing these results regularly helps us celebrate your improvements, make adjustments if needed, and keep you motivated as you move towards your goals.
A Supportive and Positive Experience
Most importantly, your initial assessment is the start of a supportive partnership. My approach is friendly, thorough, and encouraging — I’m here to listen, guide, and empower you throughout your recovery journey. Together, we’ll create a plan that fits into your life and helps you get back to doing what you love, with confidence and ease.
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Ready to start your recovery journey?
Book your initial physiotherapy assessment today — and take the first step towards moving better, feeling stronger, and living without limits.