We want you to get as much out of your appointment as possible.  Happy patients make for happy therapists.  There are several things you can do to maximise what you get out of your session.  Read on for more details.

Before the appointment

Have a think about the history of your problem.

When did it start? Was there anything that could explain why it started.  How has it then progressed? Have you had any previous investigations of treatment.  By being able to answer these questions we will find it easier getting to the root of your problem

Be prepared to talk about the details of your problem.

Where does it affect you, what does it feel like, does it change throughout the day. Think about what makes it worse and better and what sort of an impact does it have on your life.

Think about what you most want to get out of your appointment?

Is it pain relief, is it a diagnosis, is it a treatment plan.  Discuss this with your physiotherapist.  This will ensure you walk away happy.

Think about what you would like to achieve in the long run

Your goals can be as small or as ambitious as you want them to be. We can then plan a path to achieving them.

During the appointment

Be relaxed

The conversation should feel like you are having a conversation with a friend.  We pride ourselves on being good listeners.  By being relaxed you are more likely to tell us about all the relevant information and things that are important to you.   Equally ebing relaxed when we assess you means we will be better placed to diagnose you.

Be open to new ideas and suggestions 

We may come up with a diagnosis that you did not think about or a treatment that you may not think will help.   Remember however we have great experience in treating many different problems and have faith in our own treatment methods.

As a clinic we don't just do what our patients ask for or expect. Many clinics do this however we feel it does you a disservice and may lead to your recovery to being longer.

We will always discuss the pros and cons of various treatment options with you and then you can then make a fully informed decision what the best way forward is for you.

Ask any questions that you have

Do not feel embarrassed or worried about hurting your physiotherapists feelings.  They are there to help you and want you understand your problem well enough to be able to explain your issues to your friends or loved ones.

After the appointment

Think again if you have any questions

Sometimes questions come in to your head only after the session when you have had time to reflect.  Often people tell us they forget information.   If you have any questions or want something clarifying then please do get in contact

Try to do anything that is suggested that you do 

The things you do at home are the most important thing in you getting the best outcome.  Remember nothing changes unless you change something.

Keep in contact

If things are going well, then we want to hear that it gives us a warm fuzzy feeling and is ultimately why we are in the job.

Equally if things aren't so going well, perhaps pain is worsening or that you are not sure if you are doing any exercises properly or even cannot do them at all, then get it contact.

It will only slow your recovery waiting until your next appointment to tell us.  We would much rather sort any issues out earlier so as to not waste your time.