What to Expect at Your First Physiotherapy Appointment

Your first physiotherapy appointment — usually 45 to 60 minutes at Aevum — involves a detailed history of your problem, a physical assessment of how you move, a clear explanation of what is driving your symptoms, and the start of a treatment plan. You will leave understanding what is going on and what the next steps look like. If it is your first time seeing a physio, knowing how the session flows can help you feel prepared and get the most out of it.

What to bring

You do not need much, but a few things help us get a complete picture:

• Any referral or scans — if your GP has referred you or you have had X-rays, ultrasounds or MRI reports, bring them. They are helpful but not essential.
• Comfortable clothing — wear something you can move in easily. For a knee or hip problem, loose shorts are ideal; for a shoulder, a singlet or loose top helps us assess the area properly.
• Your private health card — if you have extras cover, we can process your rebate on the spot with HICAPS.
• A list of your medications and relevant medical history — including past injuries, surgeries or conditions that might be relevant.

The subjective history — your story

The appointment begins with a conversation. Your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms: when they started, what makes them better or worse, how they affect your sleep, work and daily activities. This is also where we learn about your goals — whether that is returning to running, lifting your grandchildren without pain, or simply getting through the workday comfortably. Your story guides everything that follows, so take your time and share what matters to you.

The objective assessment — how you move

Next comes the physical assessment. Your physiotherapist will look at how you move, test the strength and range of the affected area, and perform specific tests to narrow down the source of the problem. Depending on your concern, this might include watching you walk, squat or reach, assessing your posture, or gently examining the joint or muscle involved. Everything is explained as we go, and nothing is done without your comfort in mind.

Diagnosis and explanation

Once we have gathered the information, your physiotherapist will explain what they have found in plain language — what is driving your symptoms and why. Understanding your condition is a powerful part of recovery. You are encouraged to ask questions; a good treatment plan is one you understand and feel confident about.

Treatment starts on day one

Your first appointment is not just talk. Hands-on treatment often begins straight away — this might include manual therapy, soft-tissue work or joint mobilisation to settle symptoms. You will usually also start an exercise or two, tailored to your situation, so you leave with something practical to do at home. Our approach to physiotherapy combines hands-on care with active rehabilitation to give you lasting results, not just short-term relief.

What happens next

Before you leave, your physiotherapist will outline a plan: how often to come in, roughly how many sessions to expect, and what you can do between visits. The number of sessions varies widely depending on the nature and severity of your problem — some people need only a couple of visits, others benefit from a longer program. We will always be upfront about our recommendations and reasoning.

Do I need a referral?

No. You do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist — you can book directly. A GP referral is only necessary for specific funding streams such as a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan, workers compensation or certain insurance claims. For a standard private appointment, simply book a time that suits you.

Booking with Aevum

We welcome new patients at both our Kirrawee and Helensburgh clinics. Both have easy parking and ground-floor or lift access, so getting in is straightforward even if you are sore or mobility is limited. You can read more about our team of experienced physiotherapists, or get in touch if you have any questions before your visit. When you are ready, book your first consultation online in under a minute — we look forward to helping you move and feel better.