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Your Initial Appointment: What to Expect
Once your initial appointment has been booked, you may be left wondering what to expect from your first session. Whilst all animals are treated on an individual basis, it is normal to expect the following steps to take place during your first appointment:
Clinical History + Discussion
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Alongside the clinical history from your vet, it is beneficial for us to have a thorough understanding of what everyday life with your animal looks like in order for us to tailor your individual plan.
1
Gait Assessment
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Depending on your pets current physical state it is likely that we will want to review how they move in order to identify any gait changes or signs of pain or dysfunction.
2
Physical Assessment
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A full body physical examination will take place. This is done through palpation and range of motion tests.
3
Identification of Problem Areas
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After the physiotherapist has finished assessing your animal, any problem areas will be discussed with you, and goals for treatment set.
4
Individual Treatment Plan
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Any treatment will be carried out. This may include a combination of manual or electrotherapy techniques. Your physiotherapist will be able explain any of these treatments.
5
Home Exercises + Advice
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Exercises are often set as tasks to be completed at home in order to get the best out of physiotherapy. Advice regarding your animals condition and future appointments will also be given.
6
Following your initial physiotherapy appointment, I will then suggest the frequency of follow-up sessions. Every animal and condition is different but generally most clients start with frequent sessions (e.g. every 1-2 weeks, before phasing to ongoing maintenance sessions every 1-3 months. I treat every animal as an individual, so the recommended frequency will very much depend on their pain and mobility levels and their treatment goals.
Within a few days of your initial appointment you will receive a detailed assessment and treatment report via email (included in the initial assessment price), which may be shared with your veterinarian, insurance provider, or other therapists involved in your pet's care.
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Please feel free to contact me for further advice prior to your first appointment if you have any concerns or questions.