If you’ve been told to “see a physio” but have never been before, you might feel a bit unsure about what to expect. Will it hurt? Do you need to bring gym clothes? Is it just a massage, or will you be given exercises?
Physiotherapy sessions can vary depending on your problem, but there are some things that nearly everyone will experience. This guide will walk you through what really happens during a physiotherapy appointment, so you can feel prepared and confident.
The First Appointment vs. Follow-Ups
Your first physiotherapy session is usually different from the ones that follow.
- The initial consultation tends to be longer (often 45–60 minutes) because the physio needs to understand your problem fully.
- Follow-up sessions are usually shorter (20–30 minutes), focusing on checking progress, adjusting your exercises, and providing hands-on treatment if needed.
Step 1: Talking Through Your Story
It starts with a chat. Your physiotherapist will ask you questions about your symptoms, health history, daily activities, work, hobbies, and fitness routine. This part is called the subjective assessment.
Some of the questions might include:
- When did the pain start?
- What makes it better or worse?
- Does it affect your sleep?
- What are your goals — pain relief, getting back to sport, or just moving more comfortably?
This isn’t just small talk. These details give your physio clues about what’s going on, whether it’s an injury, posture issue, or long-term condition.
Step 2: The Physical Assessment
Next, the physio will look at how your body moves. This may involve:
- Checking your range of motion (how far you can move a joint)
- Testing strength in key muscles
- Looking at your posture and alignment
- Asking you to perform certain movements, like squats, lunges, or lifting your arm overhead
- Sometimes gentle palpation (feeling tissues with their hands) to identify areas of tension or tenderness
Don’t worry — this isn’t about “passing or failing.” It’s about gathering information to make an accurate diagnosis.
Step 3: Explaining What’s Going On
One of the most valuable parts of physiotherapy is the education. After the assessment, your physio will explain what they think is causing your pain or limitation.
They’ll use simple, clear language to describe the problem — no jargon. For example:
- “Your shoulder pain is likely coming from irritation of the rotator cuff tendon.”
- “Your back stiffness is more related to muscle tightness than a serious injury.”
Understanding what’s happening helps take away the fear and uncertainty that often comes with pain.
Step 4: Hands-On Treatment (If Needed)
Depending on your issue, your physio may use manual therapy techniques such as:
- Joint mobilisation – gentle movements to improve mobility
- Soft tissue massage or release – to reduce tension
- Trigger point therapy – working on specific tight spots
- Taping or strapping – to support movement
Not everyone needs hands-on treatment, but it can be very useful in certain stages of recovery.
Step 5: Exercise Prescription
Almost every physio session includes exercise-based treatment. These aren’t random stretches you could find online — they are tailored to your condition and goals.
Types of exercises might include:
- Mobility drills to ease stiffness
- Strengthening exercises to support weak areas
- Balance or control work to prevent re-injury
- Progressive loading programmes for tendinopathy or long-term rehab
You’ll usually be given a few exercises to do at home between sessions. These are crucial — progress happens because of the consistency you build outside the clinic.
Step 6: Practical Advice and Lifestyle Tips
Physios often give advice that goes beyond exercises. This could include:
- Ergonomic changes for your desk setup
- Training load management if you’re an athlete
- Sleep positions that reduce pain
- Strategies to pace activities if you have a long-term condition
This practical guidance makes recovery smoother and helps you avoid flare-ups.
Step 7: Planning the Journey
At the end of your session, the physio will talk you through a plan. This usually includes:
- How many sessions you might need
- What short-term and long-term progress should look like
- Clear goals (e.g. “in 2 weeks you should notice less night pain; in 6 weeks you should be able to return to running”)
The aim is to give you clarity and confidence, so you know where you’re heading.
Do Physiotherapy Sessions Hurt?
Many people worry that physio will be painful. The truth is:
- Exercises should feel challenging but not unbearable. Some discomfort is normal when working stiff or sore tissues, but sharp pain isn’t the goal.
- Manual therapy can sometimes feel tender, especially if muscles are very tight, but your physio will always work within your tolerance.
- Communication is key — you’re encouraged to say if something feels too much.
What to Wear and Bring
For most appointments, wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement. If you’re seeing a physio for a knee or hip issue, shorts can be helpful. For shoulder or back pain, a loose top or vest makes assessment easier.
You don’t need to bring special equipment, but if you have relevant scans, medical notes, or footwear (for running injuries), bring those along.
Why Physiotherapy Looks Different for Everyone
No two sessions are exactly the same. A runner with Achilles pain will have a very different plan from an office worker with neck tension. That’s the strength of physiotherapy — it’s personalised.
Some sessions might focus on building strength and progressing exercises. Others may include more hands-on work or advice around activity modification. What stays consistent is the focus on active recovery and long-term results.
Final Thoughts
So, what does a physiotherapy session actually look like? It’s a mix of conversation, movement assessment, education, hands-on techniques (if needed), and tailored exercise. It’s not just about treating symptoms — it’s about finding the root cause, giving you the tools to manage it, and helping you get back to the activities you love.
Your journey won’t look like anyone else’s, and that’s the point. Physiotherapy is about treating you, not just your injury.
To book your appointment, call on the number below-
📞 Call 01604 385343 (Northampton) or 01908 713973 (Milton Keynes) or Book Online today!
