You can expect a respectful and professional experience with a physiotherapist (PT). The physiotherapist will need to ask some questions about your problem and may need to understand other health issues you might have that could impact recovery.
The PT will try to understand what your goals are, they will explain how they will assess you and ask for your consent before they start. After the assessment, the physiotherapist will explain what physiotherapy can help you with, how long it might take and the expected outcome from the treatment.
Again, as a patient you will be asked to consent to a physiotherapist assessing you and developing a treatment plan. PTs will get you involved your own recovery and should never proceed with treatment if you are uncomfortable.
When you book an appointment with or visit a physiotherapist for the first time you want to feel informed and have the information you need to make good decisions about your health.
And don’t forget that you can always contact the College’s Practice Advisor to ask questions about physiotherapy. The Practice Advisor provides a free service to anyone looking for information about physiotherapy.
Consider Asking Your Health Care Provider:
- What should I expect on my first visit?
- How long will my appointment be?
- What should I wear?
- Will it hurt?
- How many appointments will I need to get better?
- How much will it cost? And how will I need to pay?
- Is the physiotherapist registered? Be sure to look the person up on the Public Register before your first appointment.