What to expect during a physiotherapy appointment

Your questions answered – from what to wear to how it works.

If you’re considering physiotherapy for the first time, you might have a few questions (or even a few worries) about what to expect.

What will happen during the appointment?
Will it hurt?
What should you wear?
How long does it take?

At The Physio Box, we believe in giving you clear answers, rather than vague advice or one-size-fits-all fixes. Whether you’re living with a long-term issue or dealing with a recent injury, our goal is to help you move better, feel better, and live with more confidence.

Here’s what you can expect when you come to see us.

First things first: What happens in an initial physiotherapy appointment?

Your first session is all about getting to know you, your body, and your symptoms. We want to understand what’s going on and why, so that we can help you take control of your pain and reconnect again with your body’s strength and potential.

We’ll start by asking questions about:

Your symptoms — When did they start? What makes them better or worse?
Your medical history and previous treatments
Your movement patterns and daily activities
What you’d like to get back to doing

From there, we’ll conduct a thorough physical assessment, which may include:

Observing how you move (e.g. walking, squatting, lifting)
Testing joint mobility, range of motion, and muscle strength
Checking balance, coordination, or posture
Using tools like a biomechanical assessment or diagnostic ultrasound to get a clearer picture of what’s happening beneath the surface

This gives us the information we need to explain what we think is going on, and what we can do to help.

You won’t be rushed. There’s always time to ask questions or talk through your concerns.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Wear something comfortable and easy to move in. You might be asked to do simple movements or exercises during your assessment, so stretchy or loose-fitting clothes are ideal.

Depending on the area being treated, we may ask you to expose certain joints or muscles. For example:

If you have knee pain, shorts are helpful.
For shoulder or back issues, a vest or sports top can make it easier for us to assess you.

We’ll always be respectful and work within your comfort levels.

Will I get treatment in the first session?

Yes, in most cases, we’ll begin treatment during your initial appointment.

This might include:

Hands-on techniques like joint mobilisation or soft tissue therapy
Gentle guided movements
Advice on what to do (or avoid) between sessions
Tailored exercises to begin rebuilding strength and confidence

We’ll explain everything clearly, so you understand how each part of your treatment fits into your recovery. You won’t be left wondering what to do next.

How long is the appointment?

Your first appointment at The Physio Box usually lasts around 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are typically around 40 minutes, depending on your needs. Biomechanical analysis coupled with a sports performance assessment will take approximately an hour.

You can see our typical appointment types and lengths on our Pricing page.

Having an initial 60-minute consultation gives us time to listen, assess, and begin helping you make sense of your symptoms without feeling rushed.

Will physiotherapy hurt?

We understand that when you’re in pain, the last thing you want is more of it. Our approach is always gentle, respectful, and responsive.

We’ll never push you to do something that feels unsafe. If something doesn’t feel right, we’ll adjust. It’s your body and you’re in control.

In fact, many people tell us they feel reassured and hopeful after their very first session, just from having a clearer understanding of what’s going on.

What happens after the first session?

Together, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan based on your goals and needs.

This might include:

Manual therapy to ease stiffness or reduce tension
Movement coaching and strength exercises to support recovery
Education to help you make informed choices about your body
Ongoing assessment and support to track your progress

If needed, we may suggest a deeper look with tools like Diagnostic Ultrasound or other treatment options such as Shockwave Therapy.

We’ll also help you plan for the things that matter to you, whether that’s going back to work, returning to the gym, playing with your kids, or just waking up without pain.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

Not usually. If you’re coming to The Physio Box as a private client, you can book directly with us – no GP referral needed. However, if you’re using private health insurance, your provider might ask for one. If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is get in touch with us directly – we’re happy to talk things through and guide you based on your situation.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your individual needs, the nature of your injury or condition, and your goals. Some people feel relief after just one or two sessions; others benefit from ongoing support. We’ll discuss this honestly with you after your initial assessment, without pressure or guesswork.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, if it makes you feel more comfortable. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member, you’re welcome to have someone accompany you during your appointment.

What if I feel nervous or embarrassed about my symptoms?

You’re not alone. Many people feel this way before their first appointment. But we’re here to support you, not judge you. You don’t have to explain things perfectly or know all the right words – just come as you are.

What if I’ve had pain for a long time and nothing’s helped?

That’s exactly why we’re here. We work with many clients across Kensington and the wider London region who have lived with chronic pain, recurring injuries, or unclear diagnoses.

Maybe you’ve been told it’s “just something you have to live with”. We don’t believe that’s good enough. Our job is to help you make sense of your symptoms, give you practical support, and walk alongside you move forward with knowledge and confidence – step by step.

Can physiotherapy really help with long-term or stubborn injuries?

Absolutely. Many of our clients come to us after months or even years of pain, often feeling like nothing has worked. At The Physio Box, we take time to understand the root cause of your symptoms and build a tailored recovery plan. You can read real examples on our Recovery Stories page, where clients share how they overcame long-standing injuries and got back to doing what they love.

Still have questions?

That’s OK. It’s completely normal to have questions or even to feel nervous about trying something new, especially when you’ve been in pain for a while.

But if you’ve been living with pain for longer than you’d like and you’re ready to try something different, we’d love to help you find a way forward.

Book an initial assessment or get in touch to talk things through – we’re happy to answer all your questions.

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What to expect during a physiotherapy appointment