What Happens In The First Session?
On the first session your treating physiotherapist will ask a lot of specific questions in order to gather as much relevant information as possible about your specific problem. They will then do a physical examination usually involving you doing some specific movements and some manual techniques using their hands. This is in order to ascertain what is injured or not functioning optimally. This part of the assessment may involve exposure of the injured area, so it will help if you wear appropriate clothes (i.e. shorts for knee injury). Gowns can also be provided.
Following the initial assessment the physiotherapist will establish a diagnosis and will explain to you your problem. The physiotherapist will also develop a treatment plan in discussion with you, as they propose what is the best way to treat your specific problem. They will also be able to give you an estimated timeframe for your recovery. Treatment will begin in the first session.
What Does Treatment Involve?
Treatment usually involves some manual hands on therapy or manual treatments (e.g. massage, mobilisations), the use of therapeutic modalities such as electrotherapy, heat or ultrasound, and the prescription of specific exercises, such as stretches or strengthening exercises. Killarney Vale Physiotherapy also offer hydrotherapy, supervised gym programs, orthotic prescription and dry needling.
What Should I Wear?
As stated above, exposure of the area is necessary to fully assess and treat injuries so it will help if you wear appropriate clothes (i.e. shorts for knee injury). Where necessary, gowns and draping with towels can be utilised.
How Long Is Each Appointment?
The average treatment session lasts between 40 minutes and 1 hour. The specific time will vary according to your condition, and the optimal treatment plan devised by your physiotherapist. The efficiency of the time is managed by the use of physiotherapy assistants who may help with supervision of exercises, massage and application of some equipment.
What Should I Bring To My First Appointment?
Whilst the physiotherapist does not require any information or referral to begin treatment, if you have any of the following it may assist the physiotherapist and you should bring them to your first appointment:
- Any scans/imaging that you have undergone.
- Any relevant medical history or surgical reports.
- Doctor’s referral (although not necessary to begin treatment, unless you are a WorkCover patient).
- Appropriate clothing to expose/treat the injured area.
Will I Get Exercises To Do?
Most likely! These exercises will be taught for you to do in the clinic and continue at home as part of your home management program. Advice will also be given on what else you can do to help you recover as quickly as possible. If you are an athlete, we will be able to safely guide your return to play. If you are an injured worked, we will also be able to safety guide your return to work in liaison with your doctor. Eventually the goal is for your problem to be treated to a point where you return to full function and are able to maintain that state independently, using the advice, exercises, strategies that your physiotherapist has taught you. So you don’t need our help anymore!
Along with everything that we provide, you as the patient will need to play your part in your recovery. Commitment is required by patients to provide the physiotherapist with as much information as possible, comply with your personal home exercise program and follow the advice of your physiotherapist. It is important that you work with us to help you reach a speedy and full recovery. If advice is not followed (i.e. exercises, rest, etc.) it may adversely impact your recovery.
What Happens In Follow-Up Treatments?
On a follow-up visit your physiotherapist will have planned a session specifically for you. First they will check on how your condition has progressed since your last session via questions and re-assessment of specific tests. They will use this information to then progress your treatment as appropriate.
What Happens If I Think I Need A Specialist?
The physiotherapists here are committed to finding the best possible outcome for you, so if the desired results are not being reached as quickly as expected we will definitely refer you for further investigation or on to a specialist in the relevant field to help you achieve our planned results. We will also liaise with your GP as appropriate and have strong relationships with specialists in all relevant areas of health and medicine including Sports Physicians, Orthopaedic Specialists, Rheumatologists, Occupational Physicians, Neurological Specialists, Podiatrists, Nutritionists and Psychologists.
Want To Know Something Else?
Killarney Vale Physiotherapy strives to provide a professional treatment in a friendly atmosphere. Our staff are friendly and approachable, so if you require any further information you may call us on (02) 4332 9798.