FIRST VISIT
How does the first physiotherapy visit go?
The therapist's goal is to help the patient quickly and as effectively as possible. To achieve this we try to find the main cause of the problem.
Each first visit is preceded by an interview and an appropriate examination, during which the physiotherapist performs basic orthopaedic and neurological tests, and evaluates e.g.: body posture, mobility of individual joints quality of movement. In some cases it may be necessary for the patient to consult a specialist before starting the therapy and to perform the appropriate diagnostics.
At the end of the first visit the physiotherapist is able to initially determine a plan for the course of therapy and the final goals of rehabilitation or therapy, for example:
- Returning to running without pain in the knee;
- Walking up/down the stairs without feeling stiffness and pain in the Achilles tendon;
- Reducing the intensity and frequency of tension-type headaches;
- Return to daily functioning without lumbar spine pain;
- Full physical function after surgical treatment.
Specific short-term goals are necessary to achieve the final goals, for example:
- Increase flexibility of the gluteus maximus muscle, stretcher of the side band, and iliotibial band to reduce the frictional forces of the bursa under the iliotibial band. Then improve strenght of the gluteus medius muscle, to increase pelvic stabilization during running;
- Increase soft tissue flexibility around the nerve causing numbness, pins and needles in the hand;
- Improve venous sinus drainage;
- Improving joint mobility, by mobilizations or manipulations techniques;
- Improving posture;
- Improve gait quality to avoid overloading a particular body region;
- Regain full range of motion in a joint after surgery, while providing optimal conditions for healing.
How to prepare for the first visit
For the first visit, please bring your medical records, especially hospital treatment cards or results of imaging studies (e.g. X-ray, ultrasound, MRI).
Please wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing.
In addition, we would appreciate a change of shoes and a towel, but it is not a necessary condition.