First visit: How to be your physio's favorite patient

You've taken the first step and have an appointment with your therapist soon! What should you bring? What should you wear? What will your therapist want to know? All these answers and more in this article! Also, check out this link to find out what to expect during the assessment.

To be 100% ready for your first physiotherapy appointment, you'll need to consider a few practical aspects.

1. You'll want to be able to easily expose the painful area so your physio can easily see the movements. (e.g., for shoulder pain, a thin-strapped tank top is ideal; for back pain, a sports top if needed and loose-fitting pants without a belt; for knee pain, shorts, etc.)
2. You can bring the following information with you if you have it: test results related to your pain (X-ray, MRI), medical prescription, list of your medications.
3. Allow 1 hour + 15-20 minutes for this appointment, as it will take some time to fill out forms beforehand and to book follow-up appointments after the appointment.

Then, to be able to answer the questions you will be asked, you can already think about the following points:

1. How does your pain behave?

Do you have an idea of what increases and decreases your pain? A movement, a position, an activity? Morning versus evening? If it's not very clear, keeping a journal that lists your activities and symptoms could probably help. This information is CRUCIAL; the more precise it is, the more precise your diagnosis will be.

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2. What are your needs?

We might be tempted to say that our need is to no longer be in pain, but that... is the role of all physios and the need of almost all patients 😉. Your physio's ability to help you depends on many factors, but identifying your needs a little more precisely will greatly help. The examples below may inspire you.

NEED(S)

• Flexibility or evening hours for follow-ups
• Confidentiality / Privacy
• Approach (if you have had a good or bad experience in the past, you can indicate what you liked or disliked)
• Understanding of the specific characteristics of a sport or activity
• Feeling listened to and/or reassured
• Feeling motivated, having close follow-up
• Understanding and having what's happening explained to you

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3. What are your goals?

As with needs, identifying your goals is essential to achieving them.

No longer being in pain is important! However, to go further: 

• Can you find WHY it is particularly important for you at this time to no longer suffer from your health problem?
• Does it prevent you from doing something you enjoy? What makes this activity important in your life?
• Does it limit you in your role with your family, your job, or your friends?
• Does it make you feel tired and psychologically irritated?

Help us get you exactly where you want to be!

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4. Do you have specific expectations for your physiotherapist?

Think about your ideal session and what it would involve, and let your physiotherapist know from the start so they can adjust their priorities during your time together.

Explanations? Exercises? Tips and advice for relief at home? A treatment portion dedicated to pain relief?

We would love to have time to do everything, but an hour goes by quickly! Knowing your expectations helps you leave satisfied!

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