How Should I Prepare for My Physio Session?
Whatever your reasons may be for considering physiotherapy, you’re taking a step towards a more active life. Each
session is geared towards fulfilling you not only physically but also mentally and emotionally, helping you to use certain muscles while getting those endorphins up and running.
If you haven’t been to physiotherapy before or it’s been a while since your last session, you may be wondering if and how you should prepare. Preparing aims to help you get the most out of your time under your physio’s helpful guidance, so preparation is key!
This article explains the steps you may wish to take to prepare for your physiotherapy session. For personalised advice, contact our team at Northern Districts Physiotherapy today.
The Importance of Physiotherapy
People use physiotherapy for many reasons. For some it’s for pain management or rehabilitation, while for others it’s more about muscle strengthening and conditioning or maintaining or correcting their posture. Meanwhile, athletes often utilise it in an effort to recover from sports injuries.
All in all, people of all ages and lifestyles participate in physiotherapy. Whether it’s to address any physical issues, for assistance in maintaining their current level of activity, or any other reason, physiotherapy aims to have people live as healthy and fulfilling lives as possible.
How to Prepare for Your Physiotherapy Session
1. Understand Your Goals and Expectations
Your physiotherapist will likely ask you what brought you to physiotherapy and what you hope to achieve throughout your journey. It’s important to remember that everybody is unique, so each person’s goals and expectations will be different from the next person’s. You may be experiencing chronic pain and are wondering if physiotherapy may help, looking for a way to recover from an injury, or simply looking to improve your overall fitness level. Whatever your reason, make sure you’re honest with yourself and with your physio.
When it comes to your expectations, everybody’s journey will be as different as their reason for being there. Setting realistic expectations is important so that you notice the small wins you achieve rather than be disappointed if you don’t hit unrealistic milestones.
2. Gather Relevant Information
Prepare for your physiotherapy session by collecting relevant medical information such as a list of any injuries, surgeries, chronic conditions, and medications. Make sure you detail your symptoms, their intensity, and how long you’ve had them or when they ceased. Accurate tracking aids your physiotherapist in refining your treatment plan.
By compiling these essential details, you can provide your physiotherapist with a comprehensive view of your health, enabling personalised and informed care that maximises the benefits of each session.
3. Wear Comfortable Clothing
The clothing you choose for your physiotherapy session may impact your experience and the effectiveness of the exercises. Wear comfortable clothing that allows unrestricted movement, such as breathable t-shirts, shorts, or yoga pants. These garments should enable your physio to assess and treat your body most easily. If your session involves lower body exercises, consider wearing shorts or pants that won’t restrict your leg movements.
You should also wear appropriate footwear that provides support and stability. Athletic shoes with good arch support are generally recommended, especially if your session includes activities that require weight-bearing movements or walking.
4. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated doesn’t just start right before your physio session— it’s a continuous effort that you should maintain every day. Proper hydration throughout the day supports your overall well-being and contributes to the effectiveness of your physiotherapy journey. Hydration supports your body’s physiological processes, helping muscles function optimally and aiding in the recovery process, making it especially crucial before and after physiotherapy.
5. Arrive Early
Not only will your physio likely appreciate your punctuality, arriving early shows that you’re committed to the process. This will also allow you to fill out any necessary paperwork without the feeling of being rushed, which will hopefully help you feel more at ease. Having a small window of time before your session will give you an opportunity to focus on your goals and mentally prepare for your session.
6. Communicate Openly
Physiotherapy is about tailoring your sessions to you, so being open and honest is a great start. By being transparent about any pain, discomfort, or limitations you may have, you may help your physio adjust exercises and techniques so that you benefit as much as possible from your session. Ask as many questions and seek as much clarification as you need to feel comfortable both physically and mentally, so that together you do your best to achieve your goals.
7. Follow Pre-Session Instructions
If your physio has given you any instructions to follow before you attend your session, ensure you follow them! It may be easy to underestimate their importance, but they’ve been given to you for a reason. Your pre-session instructions are aimed towards optimising every minute of your session and assisting you to reduce your risk of injury wherever possible. Plus, this way, you’ll be as physically and mentally prepared as you can be for the exercises your physio may have planned for you.
8. Mental Preparation
Your mindset plays an important role when it comes to your movement. Progress doesn’t happen overnight, so it’s important to keep that in mind as you work towards your end goal. While you may have some discomfort post-session initially, as you have more sessions you may find that you’re able to perform the movements more easily than before. That’s progress right there!
Additionally, by practising mindfulness and focus as you go through each movement, you work towards increasing your mind-body connection. This is thought to encourage a deeper connection to your physical well-being and to foster a more resilient mindset.
Book Your Physiotherapy Appointment Today
If you’re interested in trying physiotherapy or learning more about it, our team at NDPE is happy to help. With a wide range of services and a team of experienced physiotherapists available, we cater to residents in West Ryde and nearby areas. Don’t let pain and discomfort hold you back, and get in touch with us today.
