What to expect in your first appointment –
The minimum standard
Please take time to ask yourself these questions. Do the answers compare with your own?
Have I ever been to a physio before?
π No, never even thought of going, especially a private one.
Why have I never been to a physio before?
π thought didnβt cross my mind.
ππΌ doctor referred me to NHS but I got better before the session became available.
ππΌ physios are for sports people.
ππ½ scared of going. Donβt really know what to expect.
ππΎ it’s not my priority. I am under a GP and consultant, how would a physio help me differently?
ππΏ I am not ill or have a problem. I would just like a relaxing massage.
How am I feeling about attending a session?
π nothing…just going through the motions.
ππΌ scared and worried
ππ½ apprehensive and nervous
ππΎ intrigued and curious
ππΏ excited and eager (haha)
Why am I feeling this about attending a session?
π I need to do this so I can progress to consultant level and get my replacement.
ππΌ they may find something bad or sinister, surely this pain means I have the worst thing imaginable.
ππ½ they are going to look at my body! MY BODY!
ππΎ havenβt got a clue what to expect. What will I have to do? What do I have to say? Will I have homework? What happens during the time I am there?
ππΏ just can’t wait to find out what the issue is or what I could do about it. This could actually help my life in a lot of ways that I may not have thought of. Getting back to the things I enjoy or start something new!
What to expect from a typical initial assessment?
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the initial appointment lasts 1 hour.
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normally this is broken down into separate parts: subjective history of the client (approximately 15 to 20 mins), objective assessment of the body part concerned (15 to 20 mins) and lastly the management/treatment (15 to 20 mins).
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each stage informs the next. So it should all make sense and tie together. For example: if you attend with a history of going over on your ankle, and then the ankle is swollen and sore, then the resulting management and treatment would address the pain and swelling at the ankle….not a manipulation at your neck.
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you would be expected to expose the area involved. This area only, so no need to remove underwear. It maybe the case that changing into shorts maybe better.
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your dignity, respect and confidence/confidentially are always maintained.
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a thorough medical history will be asked in the subjective history as specific other illnesses can impact on others.
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please do not feel offended if specific sensitive questions are asked. They are asked for a reason.
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you are in control at all times. If something is uncomfortable please say! No pain, no gain is scientifically flawed in the main. This includes assessment and treatment.
β
you will be listened to.
What will not happen in an assessment?
β you are laughed at, judged and insulted.
β you are made to do something that is out of your comfort zone or out of your control.
β you are ignored.
Please take note that:
πPhysio is for everyone not just sporty ones.
πPhysio may not be your initial ‘go to’ for a relaxing massage, but we are more than qualified!