Your First Physiotherapy Visit: What to Expect

Knowing what happens at your first appointment makes it easier to walk in, so here is a clear walkthrough from check-in to home programme.

Book An Appointment

Let’s Take the Next Step Together

Your First Physiotherapy Visit: What to Expect

Your first physiotherapy visit at Next Step Physio & Neurorehab Clinic in Edmonton is an initial assessment. Your physiotherapist listens to your story, examines how you move, explains what they think is going on in plain language, and starts treatment the same day. You leave with a plan and a few exercises to do at home.

You do not need a referral, and we direct-bill many major insurers. Below is what to bring, what to wear and what happens step by step at our Millwoods clinic.

(587) 855-4559

Before you arrive

A little preparation makes the visit smoother:

Arrive about 10 minutes early to complete intake forms, or fill them in online if you received a link
Bring your extended health card or policy details, or your WCB or auto insurance claim number if this relates to a work or car injury
Bring any imaging reports, surgical notes or medication lists you have
Wear or bring comfortable clothing that lets us see and move the area, such as shorts for a knee or hip and a sleeveless shirt for a shoulder or neck
Think about your goals: what do you want to get back to doing?

If you are booking pelvic floor, vestibular or neurological physiotherapy, reception will let you know about anything specific for that type of assessment.

What you leave with

By the end of your first appointment you should have a clear picture of what is contributing to your problem, what physiotherapy can do about it, and roughly how long it may take. You will have a written or app-based home programme with a small number of exercises or strategies, advice on activity, and a proposed schedule of follow-up visits.

You are welcome to ask questions at any point. If something needs a doctor’s input, such as imaging or medication review, your physiotherapist will tell you and, with your consent, write to your physician. Follow-up visits are shorter and focus on treatment and progressing your programme.

Book An Appointment

What happens during the assessment

Every assessment is individual, but most first visits follow a similar pattern.

Check-in and forms:

Reception confirms your details and insurance and gives you a short health history questionnaire, or reviews the one you completed online.

Your story:

Your physiotherapist asks how the problem started, what makes it better or worse, how it affects daily life and what you want to achieve.

Screening questions:

We ask about your general health, medications, past injuries and any red-flag symptoms that would need a doctor's attention first.

Physical examination:

We look at posture and movement, test strength, range of motion, flexibility and balance, and use hands-on tests to identify the structures involved.

Findings and plan:

We explain what we found in plain language, answer your questions and agree on goals and a treatment plan.

First treatment and home programme:

Treatment usually begins the same day, whether hands-on techniques, exercise, education or a combination, and you leave with a home programme.

Please let your physiotherapist know if anything during the assessment is uncomfortable. Everything can be adapted.

Who should check with a doctor before coming in

Physiotherapy is safe for most people, and your physiotherapist screens for anything that needs medical review. Please see a doctor or urgent care first if you have a suspected fracture, severe pain after an accident, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the saddle area, fever or unexplained weight loss, or a sudden new neurological symptom. If you have a heart condition, are pregnant, or have had recent surgery, physiotherapy is often still appropriate; just tell us so we can adapt your assessment.

Mild soreness for a day or two after a first assessment is common. Sharp or worsening pain is not, and we want to hear about it.

Book your first visit

Book your initial assessment at Next Step Physio & Neurorehab Clinic in Millwoods (Suite 106A, 7319-29 Avenue NW). No referral is needed, and we direct-bill many major insurers. Book online or call reception; if you are unsure which service to choose, we will help you pick.

Book An Appointment

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

Practical questions

How long is the first appointment?

An initial assessment is longer than a follow-up so there is time for your history, examination, explanation and first treatment. Reception can tell you the length for the service you are booking.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing that lets us see and move the affected area. Shorts and a sleeveless shirt work well; we have private treatment rooms and gowns if needed.

What should I bring?

Insurance details, any claim numbers, imaging or surgical reports, a list of medications and a list of questions.

Can someone come with me?

Yes. A family member, friend or interpreter is welcome to sit in.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly. Some insurance plans require a doctor's note for reimbursement, so check your policy.

During and after

Will I get treatment on the first day?

In most cases, yes. After the assessment, your physiotherapist begins treatment and gives you a home programme.

Will it hurt?

Some tests reproduce your symptoms briefly so we can understand them, but the assessment is adapted to your tolerance and you can ask to stop at any time.

How many visits will I need?

It depends on the problem and your goals. Your physiotherapist will give you an estimate at the first visit and adjust as you progress.

How do I pay?

Bring your insurance details for direct billing. Fees vary by service and appointment length; call reception for the current schedule.

What if I need imaging or a doctor?

Your physiotherapist will explain why and, with your consent, write to your physician so care is coordinated.

Related services at Next Step:

Available at our Millwoods clinic in Edmonton. Book an appointment.