What to expect at your appointment

The physiotherapy department has several outpatient areas at City Hospital and QMC. Please check the location of your appointment on your appointment card.

Your first appointment will usually be one to one with a physiotherapist and will last between 30 to 60 minutes. If you are worried about your appointment, you may bring a friend or family member with you.

Your physiotherapist will usually start the assessment by asking you questions about your condition and the problems it gives you. They will also ask you questions about your general health. This information then helps them understand your problems better. They will then usually examine the area to be treated.

You may be asked to undress to your underwear to allow the therapist to assess the area thoroughly.

What to wear

It depends on which part of your body in going to be assessed. If it is your back or leg, a pair of shorts are a good idea.

If your neck or shoulder is being assessed then a vest top can be useful.

You may be asked to undress to your underwear to allow the therapist to assess the area thoroughly. 

Treatment

Our treatment programme will be tailored to you, based on the findings of the assessment. The physiotherapist will discuss your problem with you and together you will set some realistic goals of treatment. The treatment you receive will vary but may involve some of the treatments below:

  • Advice and education about your problem
  • Exercises to carry out at home - physiotherapy is not a passive treatment and it is likely that you will be asked to do exercises at home. These are often an important part of your treatment
  • Exercise classes - some patients may be advised to attend exercise classes at the hospital or go to their local gymnasium
  • Manual techniques - The physiotherapist may use help the joint to move more using manual techniques (hands on techniques)
  • Acupuncture
  • Electrotherapy - TENS, ultrasound