What to Expect in Your First Physio Session
Walking into your first physiotherapy session can feel a bit nerve-racking, especially if you’re not sure what’s going to happen.
Your first physio session isn’t something to fear, it’s the start of a plan tailored to you, your goals, and how you want to feel and move.
Here’s what to expect.
1. A Conversation, Not a Questionnaire
We start by talking.
Your physiotherapist will ask about:
What you’re feeling
When symptoms started
What makes things better or worse
Your training routine, work demands, and day-to-day activity
Your goals (pain relief, strength, return to sport, or simply moving better)
This conversation helps us understand not just the injury, but you. No rushed tick-box forms, just a clear picture of your lifestyle and what you want out of rehab.
2. A Movement Assessment
Next, we look at how your body moves. This may include:
Range of motion testing
Strength or control assessments
Movement patterns (squats, reaching, walking, lifting)
Joint or soft tissue palpation
Functional tests if relevant to sport or training
We’re not judging your movement, we’re identifying what’s contributing to the issue so we can fix it.
And to make this process even more accurate, we use Benchmark Performance Testing to measure mobility, stability, and strength. It takes the guesswork out and gives you clear numbers you can track over time.
3. Clear, Simple Explanations
Once we’ve assessed everything, your physio will explain:
What’s likely causing your pain
What’s not causing your pain (this is often the most reassuring part!)
How the area has been overloaded, irritated, or compensating
What needs strengthening, retraining, or calming down
No jargon. No overwhelm. Just straightforward information in plain English so you fully understand what’s going on.
4. Your First Treatment
You won’t leave your first session with “just a diagnosis.”
We always start your treatment on day one.
This may include:
Hands-on therapy (soft tissue work or joint mobilisation)
Dry needling
Cupping
Shockwave therapy (if appropriate)
Taping or movement cues
Targeted exercises to begin improving strength, mobility, or control
The goal is to reduce discomfort, restore movement, and help you feel a difference straight away.
5. A Personal Plan, Not a Generic Printout
You’ll leave with a clear plan that fits:
Your schedule
Your training
Your tolerance levels
Your goals
This usually includes 1–3 simple exercises to start with, not a long list you’ll never do.
Your physio will also explain how often you should return, when to push, when to rest, and what progress should look like.
6. A Sense of Relief
Pain is stressful when you don’t understand it.
Once you know why something hurts, and what you can do about it, the whole situation feels more manageable.
Our aim is always for you to leave your first session feeling:
Informed
Reassured
Supported
And confident that you’re on the right path
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
If you’ve been putting off physio because you weren’t sure what to expect, consider this your sign to get started.
A clear plan, expert guidance, and personalised support can make all the difference.
Book your physiotherapy session at our Liverpool Street clinic inside 24N Fitness or our Vauxhall clinic inside Embody Wellness and begin building your strength from the ground up.
Let’s get you moving better!
