What to Expect from an Initial Assessment
When first meeting a PhysioFunction Physiotherapist you will have an initial assessment. This is an information gathering process, which will allow the therapist to get to know you and to start to build appropriate treatment for you.
The first section of this assessment will be to sit and talk through the onset of your problems and how they have developed over time and to find out which are the most pressing problems for you. You will be asked about any aides you are currently using, e.g. a walking stick or splint and how effective it/they currently are.
You will be asked about your past medical history e.g. Diabetes, Epilepsy etc and what medication(s) you are currently taking. This will advise the therapist on any precautions they may need to take. It is therefore helpful to take along an up to date list of your medications. You will also be asked about your home situation and specific problems you are having within your home environment. The therapist maybe able to offer solutions to problems you are having or could put you in touch with other health professionals e.g. an Occupational Therapist (OT), who could help with these problems.
Going on from this your physiotherapist will need to assess you physically. Depending on the location of the assessment and your capabilities this will be done either on a plinth, the floor or your bed. The physical assessment will look at your ability to move your limbs, your strength, your posture, your sensation and balance. You will be assessed in lying, sitting and standing (this will of course depend on your abilities) and how well you move between these postural sets. If you are able to walk the therapist will also go on to assess your gait. As this part of the assessment will require a lot of moving it is sensible for you to come to your assessment in loose fitting comfortable clothing.
Once the physical assessment is complete the therapist will discuss their findings with you and will make some suggestions on how to progress forward. Depending on how fatigued you are following the assessment they may start treatment and may give you some exercises to continue with at home. This is also the time to discuss and agree with you how often you may need to come back for ongoing treatment. It is also the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
The initial assessment in most cases will take about an hour to complete, however if you are a very complex case then at times it may take longer. Also if your condition causes a lot of fatigue and you can’t tolerate a full hour then in some cases the initial assessment may have to be split over two shorter sessions.