What to expect from your first Physiotherapy Appointment?
You’ve just injured yourself—whether it was moving house, playing football, or lifting at the gym. You’re unsure how to manage the pain or what your next step should be. A friend or family member has recommended you see a physiotherapist, but you’re not quite sure what that involves—or how they can help. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people are unsure of what to expect from their first physiotherapy appointment. At Lexington Health, we aim to make your experience straightforward, informative, and tailored to your needs. Here iss what you can
expect.
What Does a Physiotherapist Do?
In a private clinic setting, physiotherapists are healthcare professionals trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This can include:
- Acute injuries such as ankle sprains or muscle strains
- Chronic conditions like long-term back or neck pain
- Post-operative rehabilitation (e.g., knee or shoulder surgery recovery)
Our goal is to understand why you’re experiencing your symptoms—whether it’s pain, tightness, weakness, or stiffness—and guide you through a personalised recovery plan.
What Happens During Your First Appointment?
Your initial consultation at Lexington Health will include two key parts:
- Comprehensive Assessment
- Subjective Assessment: This is the conversation part. Your physiotherapist will ask
you detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and goals.
This helps form a clear picture of your situation. - Objective Assessment: This involves a physical examination—looking at your movement, strength, joint mobility, posture, and more. These tests help confirm what’s contributing to your issue.
From this assessment, your physiotherapist will discuss a likely diagnosis, estimate a recovery timeframe, and work with you to set clear goals for your rehab journey.
What Does Treatment Involve?
Once the assessment is complete, your physiotherapist will begin treatment. This may include:
- Hands-on therapy: Techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, or soft tissue release to help reduce pain and improve movement.
- Exercise prescription: A tailored program of exercises designed to improve strength, mobility, and function—helping you recover in the long term.
- Education and advice: You’ll receive guidance on activity modifications, use of heat or ice, ergonomics, and when (or if) a referral for scans or another healthcare professional may be beneficial.
Your Rehab Plan
By the end of your appointment, you’ll leave with a clear rehabilitation plan. This outlines:
- The stages of your rehab
- Goals for each phase
- How progress will be measured
- Your estimated recovery timeline
We’ll also make sure you understand your role in the recovery process and when your next follow-up should be scheduled.
In Summary: What to Expect from Your Physiotherapist
✅ A thorough assessment to understand your injury and expected recovery timeline
✅ Treatment including manual therapy and a customised exercise program
✅ Education about activity modifications and when referrals or scans may be needed
✅ A structured rehab plan with clear goals and milestones
If you’ve never seen a physiotherapist before, we hope this gives you a clearer idea of what to expect. At Lexington Health, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from injury to recovery. If you have any questions or would like to book your first appointment, feel free to get in touch with us by phone: 9836 3432 or online: www.lexingtonphysio.com.au.
Written by: Brendan Micallef
