What to Expect from Your First Physiotherapy Session

Starting physiotherapy can feel unfamiliar, especially if it's your first time. Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or dealing with an injury, your first session sets the tone for your treatment plan. At Khan, Singh, Nsibande Physiotherapists, we aim to make the process clear, personalised, and supportive.

Your session will begin with a detailed assessment. This includes a conversation about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and goals. Your physiotherapist may assess your posture, joint mobility, strength, and functional movement to better understand the root of your problem—not just the symptoms. This process helps form a clinical impression and ensures that your treatment is safe and targeted. One study found that the accuracy and thoroughness of the initial physiotherapy assessment is critical to identifying appropriate interventions and improving patient outcomes.

Following the assessment, your physiotherapist will explain their findings and discuss a proposed treatment plan. You’ll work together to set realistic goals based on your condition and lifestyle. These goals may be focused on pain reduction, improved mobility, better function, or preventing further injury. Involving patients in goal-setting has been shown to improve treatment adherence and motivation throughout the rehabilitation process.

In many cases, treatment will begin during this first visit. Depending on your presentation, this may involve gentle hands-on therapy, basic movement retraining, or pain relief strategies such as heat therapy, taping, or electrotherapy. Your physiotherapist will explain each technique, check your comfort throughout, and adjust the approach as needed.

Before the session ends, you’ll receive guidance on how to manage your condition between appointments. This might include advice on posture, pacing, or activity modifications, along with a personalised home exercise programme. Education is a key component of physiotherapy—it helps reduce fear, improve confidence, and encourage active participation in your recovery.

Ultimately, your first physiotherapy session is designed to help you feel understood, informed, and supported. At Khan, Singh, Nsibande Physiotherapists, we prioritise communication, clinical insight, and patient involvement so that you can begin your recovery with clarity and confidence.

References Turolla, A., Cavedoni, S., & Bergamin, M. (2023). Digital physiotherapy assessment vs conventional face-to-face physiotherapy assessment of patients with musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review. PLOS ONE, 18(3), e0283013. Jack, K., et al. (2010). Barriers to treatment adherence in physiotherapy outpatient clinics: A systematic review. Manual Therapy, 15(3), 220–228.