Are you thinking about starting physiotherapy, or been referred by someone else? You might be wondering how it all works when you do: what happens first, what to expect at your appointment, and what comes next. When you come to me at Neuro Physio Direct (NPD), I aim to make the whole process as smooth, clear, and reassuring as possible – so here’s a step-by-step guide to help you feel prepared and at ease.
Step One: Getting in Touch
Everything starts with that first contact. You can reach out to me directly, or I might hear from someone on your behalf, like a case manager, clinic, or another healthcare professional. Either way, this first chat helps me to get a sense of your situation and confirm that NPD is the right fit for what you need. I will also answer any early questions you may have, and explain the in-person assessment appointment that comes next.
If we decide that everything is good to go, I’ll send over some paperwork, including a registration form, plus details about the clinic and available assessment appointment times. If you want to get ahead, you can download the registration form anytime from the website:
Getting Ready for Your Appointment
On the day of your assessment, it’s best to wear loose, comfy clothes that let you move freely. Depending on which part of your body we’re working on, you might be asked to remove outer layers – so wearing a vest and shorts underneath can be helpful.
What Happens During the Assessment?
Your assessment appointment allows me to really understand what’s going on, and make a plan. We’ll talk through your medical history, physical challenges, and what you’re able to do at the moment. It’s a detailed session, but it gives us the full picture and helps me to work out what’s causing your difficulties.
From there, we’ll work together to set some realistic goals. They could be aiming to improve your mobility, to reduce discomfort, or to help you find things a bit easier day-to-day. We’ll also talk through treatment options and techniques to achieve your goals that might suit you best.
Once we’ve agreed on the right approach, we’ll put together a treatment plan and a rough timescale. This helps us stay focused and adjust things as needed along the way. I’ll then send you a written summary of what we’ve discussed, which is a handy guide you can refer back to, and helps you keep track of your next steps, during treatment and beyond. Then we move into your regular sessions.
What Your Regular Sessions Might Look Like
Every session is built around you. There’s no set routine; I’ll adapt your treatment based on how you’re doing. Most sessions include a mix of hands-on therapy, practical testing to see how you’re progressing, and exercises tailored to your needs at the time.
I’ll help you explore movements that feel manageable, and gradually work towards more challenging ones. We might use different positions, props, or resistance to gently build your strength, stability, and confidence.
What You’ll Do Between Sessions
Depending on your goals and progress, I may suggest some exercises to do at home. These are carefully chosen to build on the work we’ve done in sessions and keep things moving in the right direction.
Putting in a little regular effort between appointments really does help. Small, consistent steps can lead to big changes, and many clients notice improvements sooner than they expect.
After Your Treatment Plan – What’s Next?
Once we’ve worked through your plan and we’re both confident that you can manage your own progress, we’ll agree how to proceed. We might set a new plan for you to complete yourself, and book in a follow-up to see how you’re getting on, make any tweaks to the plan, and continue working towards your goals.
For some people, just a few sessions are enough to make a big difference. Others might come back now and again for reviews to stay on track or catch things early if they slip.
We’re Here to Support You
Every person is different, and that’s exactly how I approach my work, and every client I meet. Whether you’re recovering from a neurological event, dealing with mobility issues, or want to improve how you move and feel – I’m here to help.
If you’ve got questions or want to talk about how physiotherapy could work for you, drop me a line through the website or give me a call.
I’d love to help you move more freely and confidently towards a healthier, more independent future.