Booking your first physio appointment
If you've never seen a physiotherapist before, the first appointment can feel a bit unknown. This page walks through what actually happens — from arriving at the clinic, to what's involved during the session, to what you leave with at the end.
What to bring
- Any relevant scans, X-rays, ultrasound reports or specialist letters (not essential — but useful if you have them)
- A list of current medications, particularly if you're on blood thinners or have any chronic conditions
- Comfortable clothing that lets the physiotherapist see and move the relevant area (shorts for a knee or hip issue, a singlet or t-shirt for a shoulder, etc.)
- Your private health card, Medicare details, or your WorkCover/TAC/NDIS claim information if relevant
The first 10 minutes — the history
Most of the first appointment is conversation. Your physiotherapist will ask about:
- What brought you in — when it started, how it started, what's been happening since
- What makes it better or worse
- What you've already tried
- Your work and lifestyle — how the issue is affecting daily life
- Any relevant medical history
- Your goals — what you want to get back to doing
This isn't box-ticking — the history is where most diagnostic information actually comes from. It's worth being honest and specific.
The next 15–20 minutes — the physical assessment
What this looks like depends on what you've come in for. For a back issue, it might include watching how you move, testing flexibility and strength, and palpating areas. For a knee, it might involve specific tests for ligaments, the meniscus, and the patella. For a shoulder, range of motion and strength tests, plus tests for the rotator cuff and other structures. Your physiotherapist will explain what they're checking and what they're finding as they go.
The next part — the working diagnosis
After the assessment, your physiotherapist should be able to explain:
- What they think is going on (sometimes with a degree of uncertainty — that's normal)
- What's likely to help
- What's not necessarily needed (for instance, whether scans are warranted)
- Roughly how many sessions might be involved
Treatment starts the same day
Most first sessions also include some treatment. Depending on the situation, this might be hands-on work, an exercise to start with, taping, advice about activity modification, or all of the above. You should leave with something practical to do — not just a follow-up booking.
The home programme
Almost every session ends with a small number of exercises or strategies to use between visits. The reality of musculoskeletal recovery is that what happens between sessions usually matters at least as much as what happens during them. Your physiotherapist will demonstrate what they want you to do and check that you're confident with it.
How long the appointment runs
Initial appointments are typically 30–45 minutes. Follow-ups are usually shorter (20–30 minutes), but can be extended where needed.
Costs and rebates
Costs vary by clinic and appointment type. Many patients claim through private health insurance, Medicare CDM plans (with a GP referral), WorkCover, TAC, NDIS or DVA. Reception can run through what applies to your situation when you book.
If anything feels unclear
If you leave the first appointment unsure about anything — the diagnosis, the plan, the exercises — phone reception or raise it at the next session. Good physiotherapy is a conversation, not a one-way explanation.
Booking
Our team works across Melton, Hoppers Crossing and Sunbury. Initial appointments can be booked online or by phone, and we'll match you with a physiotherapist appropriate to your situation.
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