What happens during your first physiotherapy appoinment?
Step 1: A Warm Welcome and Discussion About You
Your first session begins with a friendly chat. Your physiotherapist will take time to understand:
Your current symptoms or injury
When and how the issue began
Your medical history and general lifestyle
What activities or goals are important to you (for example, returning to sport, improving strength, or reducing pain at work)
This conversation helps us understand not just where it hurts, but why. Every person and every injury is unique, so this step is all about tailoring your care.
🧠 Step 2: A Thorough Physical Assessment
Next, your physio will perform a hands-on assessment. This may include:
Looking at your posture and movement
Testing your joint range of motion
Checking muscle strength and flexibility
Identifying painful or tight areas
Performing special tests to pinpoint the underlying cause of your issue
Your physio may also check how your body performs during functional movements like walking, squatting, or lifting. These assessments help us determine what’s contributing to your symptoms and guide us in building your treatment plan.
🩺 Step 3: Understanding Your Diagnosis
Once the assessment is complete, your physiotherapist will explain what’s going on in plain, easy-to-understand language. You’ll learn:
What condition or issue is causing your pain or limitation
Which muscles, joints, or nerves are involved
What you can do to help it recover faster
We’ll also talk about expected recovery times and realistic goals for your treatment.
💪 Step 4: Your Personalised Treatment Plan
You won’t just walk away with information — you’ll begin your treatment right away. Depending on your needs, your physiotherapist may include:
Manual therapy: such as massage, joint mobilisation, or dry needling
Targeted exercises: to improve strength, flexibility, and movement
Education: on posture, ergonomics, and activity modification
Home exercise program: a custom plan to keep your recovery progressing between sessions
Your plan will be tailored to your lifestyle, fitness level, and goals — whether that’s returning to sport, staying active, or simply living pain-free.
🕒 Step 5: Planning Your Recovery
Before you leave, your physio will explain what comes next:
How many sessions you may need
What to expect after your first treatment (some mild soreness is normal)
When to follow up or progress your exercises
We’ll also answer any questions you have so you feel confident about your recovery journey.
💬 Step 6: What to Bring to Your Appointment
To make the most of your first session, bring:
Comfortable clothing (shorts or activewear if possible)
Any relevant medical reports, scans, or doctor’s letters
Your private health card if you’d like to claim on the spot
🌟 Our Goal at Vital Action Physio
At Vital Action Physio, our mission is to help you move better, feel better, and live better. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury, chronic pain, or recovering from surgery, we’ll work with you to build a plan that’s realistic, motivating, and effective.
✅ Ready to Book Your First Physio Appointment?
If you’re ready to start your recovery journey, our experienced physiotherapists are here to help.
👉 Book your appointment online today or call us on 7251 1475.
We look forward to helping you get back to doing what you love.