Remember - you don't need to be referred to us by a GP!!! You can just give us a call to book an appointment. But, once you've made that all-important call, what happens next?
So, you have taken the time to contact Body2fit to enquire about our physiotherapy services, and now you are due to attend for your first physiotherapy session, so what exactly will that involve?
On your first session, to help form an accurate diagnosis we will have a conversation with you asking detailed questions relating to your physical problem, and other background medical information like what your GP would ask. In addition, we will listen carefully to what it is you have come to see us about and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Once we have asked you all the relevant questions, we can then move onto a physical assessment that helps formulate an accurate diagnosis.
This will involve both yourself and the physiotherapist performing a series of movements associated with the problem area, and at times moving other body area’s that may be linked with your painful region. A common example of this would be a lower back problem. First, looking at how your lower back is moving and what patterns of movement may “ease” or “increase” your symptoms. Then moving your hips or lower limbs if symptoms travel down your legs or feet.
On occasions we may need to perform additional movement tests called “special tests”. These also help to confirm our thinking/and reasoning process for your diagnosis.
Generally, the tests are mostly pain-free. However me may ask you to demonstrate movement patterns than temporarily increase your symptoms. This again will help us formulate our diagnosis.
Top tip bring loose fitting clothing if possible. This enables you and the physiotherapist to move body parts more freely to help with the accuracy of your assessments. On certain occasions, it may be required for you to remove certain clothing to examine the area more closely. However we can work around this if it makes you feel uncomfortable.
The physiotherapist will then discuss with you what they feel is going on, and the best form of treatment to help you. This will be in collaboration with your own needs such as “reducing pain”. The physiotherapist will then discuss the various types of treatment techniques to help you. This could include things like:
Initially to help with your recovery, your physiotherapist may advice a review with them in the first week to two weeks to check on your progress, this is determined on how irritable your symptoms are, and how much input you would benefit from in the early stages.
As you progress further, review appointments are then over three to four weeks, or until you feel happy that you have returned to your normal everyday life and activities.
All our physiotherapy staff have many years’ experience assessing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and are sure to be listening to your needs and Goals to return to full fitness and health. Be assured if we do not feel the problem is appropriate for physiotherapy or if further investigations are necessary, we will advise you accordingly and refer you onto the right health professional.
To book an appointment with one of our friendly team, just contact us on 01642 680 680 or email us at info@body2fit.org
Andy Atkinson, Senior Physiotherapist, MCSP, SRP, ACPSM
Gift vouchers are now available to buy your loved one the Gift of Health for Christmas 2018!!!
Give us a call on 01642 680 680 or email us for more details!
