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Your first visit, step by step.
Everything you need to know before your first appointment — what to bring, what to wear, how the assessment runs, and how to find us.
Initial assessment
45 – 60 minutes
HICAPS on-the-spot
All major private health funds
Book in, then come prepared.
Book online via Cliniko in a few minutes, or call the clinic on (07) 3279 3871 during opening hours. Reception will confirm what you need to bring depending on your funding arrangement (Medicare, NDIS, WorkCover, DVA, or private).
Coming prepared helps your physio get a complete picture of your condition from the start. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows your physio to access the area being assessed — shorts for lower-limb conditions, a singlet or sleeveless top for shoulder or upper-body work.
We recommend arriving 10 minutes early to your first appointment so you can complete the intake paperwork before your session begins.
The first-visit checklist.
Or NDIS / DVA / private health insurance card if relevant.
Not required for most appointments — but bring it along if it exists, especially for EPC, WorkCover or DVA visits.
Including supplements — helpful when relevant to your condition.
X-ray, MRI, ultrasound — only if you’ve had them. No need to chase any down.
Easy to move in. Shorts for lower-limb assessment, sleeveless top for shoulder work.
If your appointment is hydrotherapy — plus footwear suitable for pool surrounds.
Reception, paperwork, then into the room.
Alpha Physio is located at 50 Sumners Rd, Sumner QLD 4074, in Brisbane’s western suburbs. Free on-site parking is available, including accessible parking spaces — turn into the driveway from Sumners Rd and the clinic entrance is clearly marked from the car park.
Reception will check you in, complete any outstanding intake paperwork, and let your physio know you’ve arrived. You’ll be shown through to a treatment room when the physio is ready — usually within a few minutes of your appointment time.
If you’re unsure about finding us, call the clinic before your appointment on (07) 3279 3871 and we’ll guide you in.
What happens in the appointment.
Settle in.
Your initial appointment is 45 to 60 minutes — long enough that your physio doesn’t have to rush. You’ll sit down, the physio will introduce themselves, and you’ll start with a conversation rather than a clipboard.
Talk it through.
Your physio takes a detailed history — current symptoms, how they started, what makes them better or worse, your relevant medical background, and what you’d like to be doing that you can’t right now.
This conversation is the most important part of the assessment. It helps your physio understand your situation fully before any physical examination.
Hands-on assessment.
Your physio carries out a physical assessment, which may include movement tests, muscle and joint assessments, and functional tasks relevant to your condition. They’ll explain what they’re checking and why as they go.
Plain-language findings.
Once the assessment is done, your physio explains their findings in plain language and discusses management options with you. No jargon, no over-promising — you’ll get an honest picture of what may be involved in managing your condition.
What's next.
Your physio outlines a management plan with you. That may include hands-on treatment in the same session, a home exercise program, or a plan for follow-up appointments. You’re encouraged to ask questions at any point.
Note: your physio will outline management options and discuss what may help. Physiotherapy does not guarantee specific outcomes — individual results vary depending on the nature and history of each condition.
The Alpha Physio approach — SINCE DAY ONE