Seeking help from a physiotherapist for the first time can feel daunting. To help settle any nerves, it is useful to know what to expect when you come in for an initial appointment. Here is a clear rundown of what happens at your first physiotherapy appointment at BeFit Training Physiotherapy.
Arrival and Intake Forms
As with any healthcare clinic, we need some background information when you arrive. We have an iPad on the front desk with all the questions required — one of our staff will get you set up and it should only take a couple of minutes to complete. This covers your personal details, health history, and the reason for your visit.
You Talk, We Listen
An important part of the initial assessment is listening to your story. Your physiotherapist will ask you to describe your background and the injury or issue that has brought you in, and will sit back and listen carefully before asking any targeted follow-up questions. This conversation is an essential part of the assessment — the physical examination that follows is guided directly by the information gathered here. Do not rush this part. The more context you can provide, the more accurate the assessment that follows.
Physical Assessment
After the initial discussion, your physiotherapist will guide you through a series of movement-based assessments followed by a hands-on examination. This may include walking, squatting, push-ups, hopping, single-leg balance, muscle strength testing, and joint range of motion assessment — the specific assessments used will depend on what your story has indicated. The findings from this process allow your physiotherapist to accurately identify the nature and drivers of your injury or condition.
Diagnosis, Education and Planning
Once an accurate picture of the injury has been established, your physiotherapist will explain the diagnosis, the likely recovery timeline, and the recommended treatment path. This is done in plain language — not clinical jargon. A management plan is developed in conjunction with you and tailored to your specific goals, whether that is returning to sport, getting back to work, or simply moving without pain.
Treatment
As the planning discussion takes place, your physiotherapist will begin treating the injury using hands-on manual therapy to help reduce your symptoms. You will also be given early-stage management strategies you can use at home for short-term symptom relief — such as when to use heat or ice, and how to modify your activities in the days ahead. A targeted mobility and activation programme is developed for you to do between sessions, which helps manage symptoms and begins the process of rehabilitation from day one.
End of the Session
By the end of your first appointment, you and your physiotherapist should have a working diagnosis, a clear timeline, a treatment plan, and an early-stage home programme to support your recovery between sessions. If follow-up appointments are needed, these are booked before you leave. The goal is that you walk out with more clarity and confidence than when you walked in.
Common Questions About Your First Appointment
How long does the first appointment take?
Initial appointments at BeFit Training Physiotherapy are approximately 45 minutes. This allows enough time for a thorough history, physical assessment, diagnosis discussion, treatment, and home programme planning without feeling rushed.
What should I wear?
Wear clothing that allows access to the area being assessed. For a knee or hip issue, shorts are ideal. For a shoulder or upper back issue, a singlet or loose top works well. If you are unsure, bring a change of clothes and our team can advise on arrival.
Should I bring anything?
If you have any recent imaging such as X-rays or MRI reports, specialist letters, or GP referral notes, bring these along. They provide useful context for your physiotherapist. If you are using private health insurance, bring your health fund card so you can claim your rebate on the spot via HICAPS.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to book an appointment at BeFit Training Physiotherapy. You can book directly through our website or by calling either our Edgecliff or Coogee clinic.
Will I receive treatment at the first appointment?
Yes. At BeFit, treatment begins at the initial appointment. You will not spend the entire session on paperwork and assessment — hands-on treatment and a home programme are included as part of your first visit.
Can I claim my first appointment on private health insurance?
Yes. Physiotherapy is covered by most Australian private health fund extras policies. HICAPS is available at both our Edgecliff and Coogee clinics, so you can claim your rebate on the spot after your appointment.
How BeFit Can Help
At BeFit Training Physiotherapy, our initial appointments are designed to give you a clear diagnosis, a realistic plan, and the tools to start your recovery from day one. Whether you are dealing with a new injury, a long-standing problem, or simply want to understand what is going on with your body, our team at both the Edgecliff and Coogee clinics is here to help. No referral required.
Book an appointment at BeFit Training Physiotherapy — no referral needed.
Edgecliff: (02) 9327 7749 | Coogee: (02) 7205 2805 | befittrainingphysio.com/book-now
