What to expect at your first physio appointment

Before you book

Most clinics let you book online or by phone. When you book, it helps to ask:

• How long the first appointment is and what it costs
• Whether they claim private health rebates on the spot
• Whether you need a referral for your funding. See our referral guide
• What to bring and what to wear
• Whether the clinic treats your type of problem

What to bring

• Your Medicare, private health or other funding details
• Any referral, plan or claim number, if you have one
• Scans, reports or letters about your problem
• A list of your medicines
• Comfortable clothes you can move in, such as shorts for a knee or leg problem
• A support person, if you would like one

What happens at the appointment

• A chat about your problem: when it started, what makes it better or worse, your health history and your goals
• A check of how you move, your strength, and the area that hurts
• A plain-language explanation of what is likely going on
• A plan, including suggested treatment and what you can do at home
• Treatment, which often starts in the same visit

You are in control throughout. Your physio should explain what they are doing and ask your permission, and you can ask them to stop at any time.

How long does it take?

A first appointment is often 30 to 60 minutes, and follow-up visits are usually shorter. Ask the clinic when you book.

How many sessions will you need?

There is no single answer. It depends on the problem, how long you have had it, your general health and your goals.

• Short-term problems, such as a mild strain, may need only a few visits
• Longer-lasting or more complex problems often need more visits spread over weeks or months
• Many plans use fewer visits over time, with exercises you do between them

A good physio will tell you what they expect, explain how they will measure your progress, and review the plan with you. If you do not understand why you are going back, ask.

Questions to ask at your first visit

• What do you think is causing my problem?
• What do you suggest, and why?
• How many visits might I need, and how will we know it is working?
• What can I do at home between visits?
• What will each visit cost, and can I claim on the spot?

Costs and rebates

Medicare does not usually rebate a standard private physio appointment, and many private health extras policies do. See how much physio costs and whether Medicare covers physio.

When to see a doctor first

Get medical help first, or go to an emergency department, if you have:

• New loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around your groin
• Chest pain, pressure, shortness of breath or sweating
• Pain after a significant injury
• Fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain that is getting worse

In an emergency, call 000.

Common questions

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or physio about your own situation.