Physiotherapy can be a powerful tool for reducing pain, improving mobility, and recovering the injured or ill function of the body. The first physiotherapy session can feel challenging if you have never been before. What should we wear? What will they do? These things are common before the first physiotherapy session.
Visiting the physiotherapist is the best way to calm yourself from pain and get back to the sport and favorite activities, which you loved to do.
Getting Prepared Before Your First Visit
It is essential to be prepared for the first visit to the physiotherapist. So, initially, you have booked your appointment. Now, you just need to plan the following things:
Gather Relevant Information
Gathering relevant information before the visit is necessary like your symptoms, including where it hurts, how bad the pain is, and how long you’re facing it.
Making a list of questions you want to ask the physiotherapist is always better and if you have any particular doctor referral, bring it with you.
Connect with Your Insurance Company
If you are connected with any insurance company, it is better to unite with them to know, what they cover from physiotherapy or if you need approval before the visit.
Loose and Comfortable Clothing
Try to wear clothes in which you feel comfortable. Wearing loose or comfortable clothes is better because, in the initial visit, you might need to walk in front of the physiotherapist while she observes your movement. Loose and comfortable clothes make it easier to identify.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Your first visit consists of the initial assessment. There are multiple things that you can expect from your visit. Here’s what to expect:
Understanding Your Condition
Your History
Topics like Medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and activities can be part of the questions asked by the physiotherapist. You should talk about your pain, including when it started, and what makes it better or worse. Talk about your past injuries and illness.
In short, the more information you provide to your physiotherapist. The better they understand your situation, the better solution they can provide.
Physical Assessment
After the initial discussion about your history, the physiotherapist will test your condition. They will observe your posture, how well you can move, your strength, coordination, and balance.
Some specific tests might be conducted to find the actual reason for your problem. The physiotherapist will explain what they are doing and answer any questions you have during the examination.
Treatment of Your Problem
After understanding your condition, the physiotherapist will discuss a personalized treatment plan with you highlighting all the goals of the physiotherapy program. The specific techniques will be used in your treatment with the expected duration.
Goals
The physiotherapist will help you set realistic goals and lead you on how to achieve these goals. These goals will help you reduce pain and improve flexibility. By visiting a physiotherapist you will slowly get back to the activities and prevent future injuries.
Methods and Techniques
Physiotherapists use many different methods to treat you. They will choose the treatment depending on your needs and conditions like mutual treatment, therapeutic exercise, education, and modalities. Here are a few methods you should know about:
- The physiotherapist will use hands-on techniques like massage, and stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce pain.
- They will create an exercise program to improve your strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, including exercises at the clinic and home.
- They will educate you about your condition and provide self-management tips to help you heal and avoid future issues.
Road to Initial Recovery
Your treatment will begin from your first assessment. The initial physiotherapy session may include hands-on therapy, showing multiple and different exercises to do at home, or teaching how to use certain therapeutic tools.
In short, the main objective of your first therapeutic session is to introduce you to the methods, you’ll use in your physiotherapy program and begin your recovery requirements.
After Your First Visit
After your first visit, you must follow all guidelines provided by the therapist. They will provide you with a home exercise program. You should strictly follow your exercise schedule as it plays a crucial role in your recovery program.
Finding the solution for any confusion or problem about any exercise on your own is always better than contacting the physiotherapy clinic because they are the ones who can address you properly.
Additional Tips Just for you!
If you are worried about a successful physiotherapy session, we have additional tips that guarantee a successful session and quick recovery. Here is what you need to follow:
- Connect with the well-recognized clinic of physiotherapy.
- Be honest and open with your physiotherapist.
- The more information you provide, the better they can understand your condition and develop an effective treatment plan.
- If you don’t understand anything, ask your physiotherapist. They are there to guide you through the process and are responsible for your recovery.
- Be an active participant in your treatment.