What to expect at your first physio appointment

If you have never visited a physiotherapist before, or it has been a while since your last appointment, you may be wondering what the process involves. Knowing what to expect can make your first visit feel more straightforward and help you get the most out of the time with your physiotherapist.

What to bring to your first appointment

Coming prepared to your initial appointment means your physiotherapist can spend more time on your assessment and less time gathering background information.

If your GP has provided a referral letter, bring it along — particularly if you are accessing physiotherapy through a Medicare Chronic Disease Management (EPC) plan, a WorkCover claim, or DVA entitlements. While no referral is required for a private appointment, relevant letters or documentation are useful context.

If you have had any relevant imaging — such as X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan — bring the report or the images if you have them. Your physiotherapist will not always need these, but they can provide useful information for certain presentations such as a disc injury or a post-surgical referral.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows your physiotherapist to access and assess the affected area. For example, if you have knee or hip pain, shorts are helpful. If you have neck or shoulder pain, wearing a singlet top or a loose shirt makes the assessment easier.

The initial assessment process

Your first appointment will typically last 45 to 60 minutes. It begins with your physiotherapist taking a detailed history — they will ask about your current symptoms, when and how they started, what makes them better or worse, your past medical history, and any previous treatment you have had for this or related issues.

This conversation is not just administrative. Understanding the history of your condition helps your physiotherapist identify contributing factors and tailor the assessment accordingly.

Throughout the assessment your physiotherapist will explain what they are looking for and why. Ask questions — that is encouraged.

After the history, your physiotherapist will carry out a physical assessment. This varies depending on your presentation but typically includes observing your posture and movement patterns, assessing your range of motion, testing strength, and performing specific clinical tests relevant to your condition. They may also ask you to perform activities such as walking, bending, or reaching to observe how your body moves.

How treatment planning works

Once the assessment is complete, your physiotherapist will discuss their findings with you. They will explain what they believe is contributing to your symptoms, what the management approach will involve, and how many sessions they would initially recommend. This is an estimate based on your presentation — it may be revised as your treatment progresses.

Your physiotherapist will also explain what you can do at home between sessions. For most presentations, this includes a home exercise program — a set of exercises designed to complement your in-clinic treatment and support your progress.

What happens after the first session

It is common to feel a degree of muscle soreness or fatigue in the 24 to 48 hours after your first physiotherapy session, particularly if hands-on treatment or exercises were involved. This is a normal response to assessment and initial treatment.

If you experience a significant increase in your symptoms after your first session, contact your physiotherapist. They can advise whether the response is expected or whether any adjustment to the approach is needed.