Blog 4-Your First Visit: What to Expect at My Physiotherapy Clinic

Welcome to Physika! I want to ensure that your experience is as comfortable and reassuring as possible. Let's walk through the process step by step so you know exactly what to expect. 

Preparation 

Before your initial assessment, you'll receive pre-assessment intake forms via email. These forms are designed to gather crucial information about your injury, goals, fears, and any medical conditions. Filling them out beforehand allows me to get a head start in understanding your needs. Please take your time to provide detailed and accurate information. 

Additionally, make sure to bring comfortable clothing that allows unrestricted movement of the injured area. In some cases, you may need to wear clothes that expose specific body parts—for instance, shorts for a knee injury or tank tops for ladies to expose their shoulder/neck area. This ensures a thorough and effective assessment. 

Arrival and Assessment 

When you arrive at Physika, you'll be accompanied to the assessment room. Our session kicks off with a detailed conversation, a crucial part of the assessment process. I'll delve into your medical history, review your pain and concerns, discuss your goals, and explore the specific activities or sports you want to get back to. Your expectations from me and the type of services I offer are also key topics of discussion. 

I believe that the interview process is the cornerstone of the assessment. It helps me develop a personalized plan of care based on your unique needs and expectations. After this comprehensive discussion, we move on to the physical part of the session. 

Physical Examination 

During this phase, I'll observe your posture, measure range of motion and flexibility, assess strength, perform functional movements, and conduct other tests specific to your injury or condition. This hands-on examination provides valuable insights into the factors affecting your ability to participate in your desired activities. 

Findings and Plan of Care 

Once the interview and physical exam are complete, I'll discuss my findings with you. I'll explain how these issues may be impacting your ability to engage in your chosen activities and outline the proposed plan of care. You'll receive a home exercise program tailored to kickstart your rehabilitation promptly. 

Education and advice will also be provided to help alleviate pain and enhance your performance in daily activities. Depending on your situation, additional sessions may be recommended for hands-on treatment or to progress your home exercise program toward your end goals. 

Partnership and Agreement 

This journey is a partnership between you and me. We'll engage in a discussion to reach an agreement on the best plan of care that aligns with your needs and satisfies both of us so that we can achieve your goals. 

But here's the exciting part—your "first visit" doesn't end there. 

Follow-Up Video Call 

We value continuity and your success in rehabilitation. That's why we'll schedule a video call 1-2 business days later. During this call, we'll review the exercises together and address any questions or concerns you may have forgotten to ask during the initial session. 

From experience, I understand that timely corrections are crucial. Many patients face challenges or may not execute exercises correctly, leading to setbacks. By scheduling this follow-up sooner, I aim to empower you with the right guidance, ensuring you avoid common pitfalls and stay on track toward a successful recovery. 

At Physika, I’m not just here for your first visit; I’m committed to supporting you every step of the way. Your journey to optimal health begins here, and I’m excited to be a part of it. 

Marco Chiasson, Physiotherapist

Physika