Physiotherapy assessment: what to expect?

Many of you will experience pain or injury at some point. Perhaps it will limit you in your daily life, work, or leisure activities. Has that dreaded day already arrived? Your doctor, a family member, or a friend has probably suggested that you see a physiotherapist for an assessment. But what should you expect during your first visit to a physiotherapy clinic? This article will shed light on the detailed process of an assessment by a Physioactif physiotherapist.

What to do before a physiotherapy assessment

Before your physiotherapy assessment, you will need to fill out a questionnaire about your overall health, including your health conditions, previous injuries, surgeries, and a list of medications you are taking. Why so much detailed information? Because the physiotherapist needs to know your general health in order to make an accurate diagnosis. They also need to ensure that your condition does not require a more in-depth medical assessment.

What happens during a physiotherapy assessment?

The assessment involves three steps:

1. The explanation of the problem
2. The physical assessment
3. Creating the best treatment plan for your condition.

Step 1: Discussing the problem

To begin the assessment, you will explain your physical problem and discuss it with the physiotherapist to inform them of the reason for your visit. They will ask you several questions, such as what kind of impact this problem has on different aspects of your life (work, leisure, daily tasks, sports, etc.) and what your lifestyle is like (type of job, leisure activities, physical activities/sports, etc.). This will help your physiotherapist refine their diagnosis. Finally, short, medium, and long-term treatment goals will be established with your physiotherapist.

Step 2: The physical assessment in physiotherapy

Using movements and various tests, the physiotherapist will assess:

• Painful physical structures
• The mobility and flexibility of your joints and muscles
• The gliding of your nerves
• Your strength and stability
• The coordination of your movements
• Your postural habits

During the physical assessment, you can show the physiotherapist exactly where you are experiencing pain.

Step 3: Creating the best treatment plan for your condition

This is where your physiotherapist will make a diagnosis explaining the problem. They will then propose a treatment plan specifically tailored to you, which will include:

• An explanation of the problem and its cause
• The recovery prognosis (time required to heal)
• The number of physiotherapy treatments needed for a full recovery and the frequency of appointments.
• The type of interventions to be performed to resolve the problem
• Physiotherapy exercises to do at home
  • Your physiotherapist will demonstrate the required exercises that you will need to practice in front of them before leaving (to correct your movements, if necessary)
  • and will note the number of repetitions to do per day.
• You will get their email address to contact them between visits if you have any questions.

What happens after the physiotherapy assessment?

After your physiotherapy assessment, the physiotherapist will give your treatment plan to the front desk so you can book your follow-up appointments as prescribed. You will leave with your treatment plan sheet, which will also include your exercises to do at home. For some of them, a visual demonstration will be available via video on our YouTube channel. The assessment is the first step in your recovery and achieving your goals. Your progress will be made through the exercises you do at home and the series of treatments you receive. Read this article to learn what a physiotherapy treatment is like.

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F.A.Q.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. For a shoulder problem, consider a tank top or t-shirt. For a knee problem, shorts or pants that can be easily pulled up are ideal. We can also lend you appropriate clothing if you forget yours. We do not ask you to undress completely.

Should I take my pain medication before the appointment?

We don't want you to suffer unnecessarily, so you can take your medication as usual. We will be able to assess you just as well, rest assured.

Is physio painful?

Physiotherapy is not painful at Physioactif. Some assessment techniques may be uncomfortable because, to identify the source of the problem, it is sometimes necessary to press on the painful area. Treatment techniques should not be painful either. If you have already experienced painful techniques, it is because the treatment was based on outdated methods. The prescribed exercises may slightly stress the affected area, but the pain should only be temporary and should not persist long after the exercises.