Patient information

Physiotherapy

Find out what to expect from your physiotherapy appointment.

Before your appointment

You should receive an appointment within two weeks of receipt of your referral. You are welcome to bring a relative, close friend or carer with you to your appointment. You are also welcome to ask for a chaperone and we will endeavour to provide one for you.

It would be helpful to bring a list of your current medications. If you are fasting e.g. for a religious festival, please let us know and we will try to modify your exercises at this time. Remember to check your appointment letter for anything specific you have been asked to take with you. In addition, it would be helpful if you could bring the following:

Please bring a pair of shorts and/or vest top with you to wear during examination
Your full address and telephone number(s)
Your appointment card and appointment letter
Your GP's name and address
A list of questions you may want to ask your physiotherapist

During your appointment

Upon arrival, please come to reception in the relevant department. You will be asked to check in at the check in kiosk and remain in the waiting area to be called by your physiotherapist. Every effort is made to see you on time, so please arrive promptly. If you are late for your appointment, we may not be able to see you. We rarely run late.

Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the physiotherapist know and the students will be asked to step outside.

Your first appointment will last 45 to 60 minutes. One of our physiotherapists will ask you about your symptoms and carry out a comprehensive assessment of your problems. He or she will jointly design and agree a treatment plan with you.

All physiotherapy interventions will be discussed with you and your verbal consent obtained before any treatment is started. You have the right to decline physiotherapy intervention and other treatments at any stage. If you are female and attending because of a pelvic floor muscle problem you will see a female physiotherapist. You may also require an internal examination as part of your assessment.

After your appointment

A further appointment will be arranged if required. The number of treatment sessions and type of treatment varies between patients. For example, treatments could include a series of exercises, stretches, manual therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy or attendance at a group exercise class. You can expect to see the same therapist each time. Most patients will also be given an exercise programme that we suggest they follow at home.