What to expect in your first home physiotherapy session

Your therapist arrives with a portable table and the equipment your condition needs — TENS, ultrasound, bands and mobility tools.

The first 15 minutes are an assessment: your history, pain pattern, range of movement, strength and the daily activities that trigger symptoms. Keep any scans or discharge summaries handy.

Then comes the treatment itself — manual therapy, electrotherapy or exercise, depending on what the assessment showed. You should feel worked on, not wrecked; tell your therapist immediately if anything feels sharp.

Before leaving, you get a written home plan with two or three exercises, the number of sessions we expect you will need, and clear signs of progress to watch for.

Wear loose clothing, keep a two-metre clear space, and have a family member present if the patient needs support. That is all the preparation required.