What happens before physiotherapy?

Expect questions about the start of your symptoms, previous injuries or operations, work, activity, sleep and medicines. The therapist may assess posture, walking, joint range, strength, balance, coordination, swelling and pain during selected movements. They may also check how the problem affects stairs, lifting, reaching or self-care.

The findings guide the starting level and pace of treatment. After a fracture, the team may wait for healing instructions and confirm limits following closed reduction or fracture casting. Treatment can include education, hands-on techniques, exercises and a home programme.

Wear comfortable clothing that exposes the area being assessed and bring relevant reports or a medicine list. Think about two or three activities you want to improve. Eat and drink as usual unless your clinician has given different instructions. Tell the therapist about dizziness, falls, pregnancy, recent surgery, numbness or pain that changes quickly.

Contact a medical professional promptly for a new inability to bear weight, a limb that looks deformed, rapidly increasing swelling, a cold or discoloured hand or foot, new weakness, or severe pain after an injury. Fever, spreading redness or drainage from a wound also needs review before routine exercise.

Ask what activity is safe, which symptoms are expected during exercise, how to adjust an exercise, and when progress will be reviewed. Confirm whether you need a referral or any restrictions from another clinician.