If you have never seen a physiotherapist, the first appointment can feel like a mystery. You are not sure what you will be asked to do, whether it will hurt, or what to wear. This guide walks through what usually happens, based on the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta's patient guide and what we ask patients to bring.
If your visit is for a workplace injury, our WCB physiotherapy guide covers the extra steps.
Before you book
Do you need a referral? No. The College of Physiotherapists of Alberta says physiotherapists are direct access providers, so you do not need a referral from your doctor. The College also notes that some insurance providers may ask for a referral before they cover the cost, and that this is solely up to the insurer, so it helps to find out before you book. Our referral guide goes into more detail.
Is the physiotherapist registered? Yes. All of the physiotherapists at Flex are registered, so you do not need to check. Anyone who wants to offer physiotherapy services in Alberta must be registered and hold an active practice permit from the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta. If you ever want to verify a physiotherapist elsewhere, the College has a Verify a Physiotherapist tool on its website.
What about cost and insurance? We offer direct billing for most major extended health plans, WCB, and motor vehicle accident claims. Our front desk can check your benefits before your first visit. Our cost guide explains what affects the price. We do not hold the contract for AHS-funded appointments, but we are happy to provide care on a private pay basis or through your extended health benefits.
What happens at the first appointment
The College describes a typical first appointment in five steps. Here they are in everyday terms.
The interview
Your physiotherapist will want to hear your story: what brought you in, how and when it started, and how it affects the things you want to do. Expect questions about your work, your household activities, and your sport or recreation. They will also ask about your general health and any medications.
Some questions may seem unrelated. The College explains that these often help the physiotherapist rule out health concerns that look like something a physiotherapist can treat but need another health professional. You can always ask why a question matters.
The physical assessment
This is where the physiotherapist looks at how your body moves. They may look at your posture, watch you walk or stand up from a chair, ask you to move different parts of your body, move your joints for you while you relax, and test how strong your muscles are. The assessment usually begins with a general look at how you move and becomes more focused on the area that is bothering you.
Your physiotherapist will ask for your consent before they touch you and should explain what they are doing and why. You can stop the assessment at any time and for any reason.
Sometimes an assessment takes more than one appointment, for example if you are in a lot of pain and can only manage part of it, or if your condition is complex.
Discussion and treatment planning
Once the assessment is done, your physiotherapist explains what they found, what it means, and the typical pattern of recovery. You are an active participant in choosing a plan, including the options, risks, and benefits. They will ask for your consent before treatment starts.
Treatment
What treatment looks like depends on your assessment, your preferences, and the physiotherapist's skills. At Flex, we always give some treatment at the first appointment. That means education, advice on managing and modifying your activity, and a few home exercises. We often include some hands-on treatment as well, as time allows. Depending on your needs, treatment can also include other techniques. Katie Gaucher is currently the only physiotherapist at Flex who offers IMS dry needling, so ask when you book if you are interested.
Follow-up visits
At later visits your physiotherapist will check how you felt after the last session, explain the plan for today, and often repeat some of the same tests to see whether anything has changed.
What to wear and bring
Wear: comfortable clothing that lets you move, and that lets the physiotherapist see the area they need to assess. The College says you may be asked to change into a gown, shorts, or a tank top, or to adjust or move a piece of clothing, and that you can refuse. If you are uncomfortable, say so. The College says to talk to your physiotherapist about the options. We offer gowns and shorts to all of our clients, so if you forget to bring clothes or come straight from work, that is no problem.
Bring:
your health card and the name, policy number, and certificate or ID number for your insurance
for a workplace injury, your WCB claim number and your adjuster's contact details
for a motor vehicle accident, your claim number and insurer details
any imaging reports, specialist notes, or a list of medications
an idea of your goals, or the things you want to be able to do again
Questions worth asking
What do you think is going on, in everyday words?
What can I do at home between visits?
Roughly how often should I come, and when will we reassess?
Is there anything I should avoid for now?
If this is not improving, what is the next step?
Get checked first if you have any of these
Some symptoms need urgent medical care, not a booked appointment. Go to an emergency department or call 911 if you have:
chest pain or trouble breathing
loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin or inner thighs, especially with new back pain
new or worsening weakness, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg
a head injury with confusion, repeated vomiting, or loss of consciousness
severe pain that came on suddenly after a fall or a heavy impact
If you are not sure whether your symptoms are serious, get assessed.
Book your first appointment
Ready to book? You can book physiotherapy online, contact Flex Physio & Wellness, or meet the physiotherapy team first.
Frequently asked questions
Does physiotherapy hurt?
It should not be painful, though some assessments and exercises can be uncomfortable. Your physiotherapist works within your comfort level and checks in as they go. You can tell them to stop at any time.
How long is the first appointment?
Our first physiotherapy appointments are always booked for one hour.
Will I get treatment at the first visit?
Yes. At Flex, we always give some treatment at the first appointment, whether that is education, advice for managing at home, or a few home exercises. We often add some hands-on treatment too, as time allows. Sometimes an assessment takes longer than expected, and the College notes that an assessment may carry over to more than one appointment.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your condition, your goals, and how you respond. Nobody can promise a number in advance. After the assessment, your physiotherapist can give you an idea of what to expect.
What if I do not feel comfortable with something?
Say so. You have the right to ask for an explanation, to say no to an assessment or treatment, and to ask them to stop.