At your first visit,
our aim is to determine the cause of your problem and plan, where appropriate,
the treatment that you require.
The first session will involve the therapist asking you a lot of questions
concerning your problem such as what your symptoms are, how long you have
had the problem, do you know how the problem started, what makes them better
and what makes them worse. The answers to these questions plus the physical
assessment of your problem will help us to determine what is causing your
symptoms and therefore help us to treat you.
Your initial appointment will take approximately 45 minutes (Physiotherapy)
or up to one hour (Podiatry) where you will be assessed by a Chartered Physiotherapist
or a Podiatrist respectively. You will be required to undress sufficiently
in order to expose the area to be examined, so please wear suitable clothing
(e.g. shorts)
Each patient is assessed as an individual and treated according to their own
particular needs. On completing the assessment, the therapist will discuss
your condition with you and the proposed treatment. Physiotherapy treatment,
where appropriate, will commence at the initial consultation and may include
mobilisation or manipulation of the joints and/or mobilisation of soft tissues,
electrotherapy, appropriate exercises and advice relating to your condition.
In the case of podiatry, should you require simple insoles, these can be provided
at the initial consultation however, more custom-made devices will require
you to return for a casting appointment.
Where a treatment program is advised in either case, this will be discussed
at the initial consultation. Where possible, we will give you an indication
of how long your condition will take to get better and how much treatment
you may require.
The therapists work in close communication with other medical professionals
including your GP and/or consultant and will contact them with your approval,
if required.
