Your first visit
What to expect at your first physiotherapy appointment
Not knowing what will happen is one of the biggest reasons people put off booking physio. Here is exactly how a first appointment runs, so nothing is a surprise.
Before you come
- You don't need a GP referral. You can book directly.
- Wear something comfortable that lets you move and lets the physio see the area, such as shorts for a knee or a vest top for a shoulder.
- Bring anything relevant: a list of medication, and any scan or X-ray reports you have.
- Think about your goal. "Run 10K without knee pain" or "sleep through the night" gives the plan a target.
The first conversation
The session starts with questions: when the problem started, what makes it better or worse, how it affects sleep, work and training, and anything you've tried already. This is unhurried, and it's often where the most useful clues come from. Joel will also ask some routine health questions to make sure it is safe to treat you.
The physical assessment
Next, you'll be asked to move: bend, squat, reach or walk depending on the problem. Joel will then check strength, range of movement and which positions or actions reproduce your symptoms. Everything is explained as it happens, and you can say stop at any point.
A plain-language explanation
Before any treatment, you'll be told what is likely causing your pain and what isn't. Many people find this the most reassuring part, because a clear explanation takes away a lot of the worry.
Treatment on the day
Where it's appropriate, treatment starts in the same session. That may include hands-on joint and soft-tissue work, and sometimes acupuncture, cupping or sports massage. Each is discussed with you first and only used with your agreement.
Your plan
You'll leave with a practical plan: a few targeted exercises that fit your routine, what to do and avoid in the meantime, and a sense of how long recovery usually takes. If you need follow-up sessions, these are arranged directly with Joel.
If you're nervous
Say so at the start. Treatment can be paced to what you're comfortable with, and nothing happens without your consent.
Afterwards
Some soreness for a day or so after treatment is normal. You'll be given a receipt, which you can use to claim back through your employer or private health plan where they allow it.
The appointment is 60 minutes and costs £70, at Apo at the Holloway, Birmingham City Centre. Appointments run Monday to Friday 9am to 10pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm. See what's included or read how much physiotherapy costs.