Not sure what to expect at your first physiotherapy appointment? You are not alone — many patients are nervous before their first visit, especially if they have never seen a physiotherapist before. Here is exactly what happens, step by step, at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
What to Bring
- Medicare card — for bulk billing (if you have a GP EPC referral)
- GP referral — if you have an EPC plan for bulk billing, or a WorkCover/TAC claim
- Private health insurance card — for HICAPS on-the-spot claiming
- Imaging reports — any X-rays, MRI, or CT results relevant to your condition
- Previous physiotherapy notes — if you have seen a physio for this condition before
- List of current medications — particularly any pain medication, blood thinners, or corticosteroids
What to Wear
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows your physiotherapist to access and observe the affected area:
- Back or hip conditions: Shorts and a comfortable top
- Knee or ankle: Shorts or loose pants you can roll up
- Shoulder or neck: A singlet, sports bra, or loose top
- Back or posture: You may be asked to remove your top — a singlet underneath is helpful
Your First Appointment — Step by Step
1. History taking (5–10 minutes)
Your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms — when they started, what makes them better or worse, how they affect your daily life, your relevant medical history, and your goals for treatment. This is not just routine form-filling — the history often provides the most important diagnostic information.
2. Physical assessment (10 minutes)
A hands-on assessment of the affected area and related structures. This typically includes observation of your posture and movement, range of motion testing, strength testing, palpation of specific structures, neurological screening (reflexes, sensation, muscle power) if nerve involvement is suspected, and special tests to identify specific structures.
3. Diagnosis and explanation (5 minutes)
Your physiotherapist will explain what they have found, provide a working diagnosis, explain the likely cause of your condition, and outline the treatment plan and expected timeline. Ask as many questions as you like — understanding your condition is part of the treatment.
4. Treatment (10 minutes)
Treatment begins in the first session. This might include manual therapy (joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage), dry needling, taping, and the start of a home exercise program. You should notice some benefit — even if small — by the end of your first appointment.
After Your First Appointment
You will be given a home exercise program to do between sessions. This is the most important part of your recovery — patients who complete their home program consistently recover significantly faster. A follow-up appointment will be booked, typically within 1–2 weeks of your initial visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive treatment at my first physiotherapy appointment?
Yes. At Better Physiotherapy Bundoora, treatment begins at your first appointment. After the history and assessment, your physiotherapist will commence treatment in the same session — you should not have to wait until your second visit to start getting better.
Will the first appointment be painful?
The assessment involves movement testing and palpation that may reproduce some of your symptoms — this is necessary for accurate diagnosis. Treatment aims to reduce your pain. Some manual therapy techniques may cause mild temporary soreness for 24–48 hours, but significant pain during or after treatment is not expected and should be reported.
Will I get a diagnosis at my first appointment?
In most cases, yes. A thorough physiotherapy assessment identifies the likely diagnosis in the vast majority of presentations. Imaging is rarely needed before a working diagnosis can be established. Your physiotherapist will explain what they have found and what the treatment plan involves.
What if my condition is more complex than expected?
If your assessment reveals a presentation that requires specialist input, further imaging, or management outside physiotherapy scope, your physiotherapist will discuss this and refer appropriately. You will always be given an honest assessment of whether physiotherapy is likely to help your condition.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora