Walking into a physiotherapy clinic for the first time can feel daunting — especially if you are dealing with pain or an injury that has been affecting your daily life. The good news is that a first appointment is straightforward, and knowing what to expect makes the whole experience far less stressful.

Here is a clear, honest guide to what happens when you book your first appointment at Dalton Physiotherapy in St Leonards.

• Your Medicare card (if you are on an EPC plan or eligible for bulk billing)
• Your WorkCover claim number and insurer details (if applicable)
• Any relevant imaging — X-rays, MRI or ultrasound reports
• A list of current medications if they relate to your condition
• Comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being treated (shorts for knee or hip issues, a singlet for shoulder problems)

Your initial appointment is typically 45 to 60 minutes. This is longer than a follow-up session because your physiotherapist needs time to understand your full history, perform a thorough assessment, and explain your treatment plan.

Follow-up appointments are usually 30 to 45 minutes.

No. You can book directly without a GP referral. However, if you are using a Medicare Chronic Disease Management (EPC) plan, your GP will need to write a referral and management plan first — your GP handles this, and you bring the paperwork to your appointment.

For WorkCover patients, you will need a claim number from your employer and insurer before your first visit.

Your physiotherapist will start by asking about your current problem — when it started, what makes it better or worse, and how it is affecting your daily life and activities.

They will also ask about your general health history, any previous injuries, and your goals. This is not just box-ticking — understanding the full picture helps your physiotherapist identify contributing factors that might not be obvious.

Be as specific as you can. The more detail you provide, the more targeted your treatment will be.

This is the hands-on part. Your physiotherapist will assess:

• Range of motion — how far you can move the affected area
• Strength — muscle testing to identify weakness or imbalance
• Posture and movement patterns — how you move, stand, or walk
• Neurological signs — reflexes, sensation, and nerve function if relevant
• Special tests — specific clinical tests to confirm or rule out particular diagnoses

You may be asked to perform certain movements or positions that reproduce your symptoms. This is intentional — it helps your physiotherapist understand exactly what is happening.

Once the assessment is complete, your physiotherapist will explain what they have found. This includes:

• What the likely diagnosis is (or the differential diagnoses if further investigation is needed)
• Why you are experiencing your symptoms
• What structures are involved
• What the expected recovery timeline looks like

At Dalton Physiotherapy, we believe in clear, jargon-free explanations. You should leave understanding your condition — not just with a vague sense that something was found.

Depending on your condition and how your body responds, treatment in the first session may include:

• Manual therapy — joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, or myofascial release
• Dry needling — if appropriate for your condition
• Exercise prescription — specific movements to begin your rehabilitation
• Taping or bracing — to support the area and reduce pain
• Education — advice on activity modification, posture, or load management

Not every technique is right for every patient. Your physiotherapist will explain what they are doing and why.

Before you leave, you will have a clear plan. This includes:

• How many sessions are recommended and at what frequency
• What you should and should not do between sessions
• Your home exercise program (if applicable)
• What to expect in terms of progress and timeline

Recovery is rarely linear — there may be days where you feel worse before you feel better, particularly after manual therapy. Your physiotherapist will set realistic expectations so you know what is normal.

Some techniques — particularly deep tissue work or dry needling — can cause temporary discomfort. Your physiotherapist will always check in with you and adjust pressure based on your feedback. You should never feel that you cannot speak up.

This depends entirely on your condition, how long you have had it, and how your body responds to treatment. Acute injuries may resolve in 3 to 6 sessions. Chronic conditions or post-surgical rehabilitation may require more. Your physiotherapist will give you a realistic estimate at your first appointment.

Yes — if your policy includes extras cover for physiotherapy. Bring your health fund card and we can process the claim on the spot via HICAPS.

If you are in pain, your movement is restricted, or an injury is affecting your ability to work, exercise, or sleep — you need a physiotherapist. You do not need to wait until things are severe.

Your first appointment at Dalton Physiotherapy is a chance to get real answers about what is going on and a clear plan to fix it. Dr Tamar Dalton holds a Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) and is AHPRA registered — bringing the highest level of clinical training to every patient.

We are welcoming new patients at our St Leonards clinic. Book online or call us directly on 0404 320 503.

Book your first appointment at Dalton Physiotherapy