Physical therapy Dr Rob Hicks For many health problems, your GP may recommend that you see a therapist. If you have back pain, for example, it's usual to see a physiotherapist. Here we look at what to expect at your appointment.

In this article

Location When you arrive

Suitable clothing The treatment session

In the past, most physical therapies were provided in a department attached to the local hospital. This is still true in some cases, but treatment may also be provided in your GP surgery - many now have therapists who run clinics.

You may find you have to go somewhere other than a hospital or your GP surgery. Groups of therapists may run clinics at the local leisure centre, for example, or in their own building.

Each therapy centre will have its own procedures but the basics tend to be the same whether you're receiving physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, osteopathy or massage therapy and so on.

You'll be greeted by a receptionist when you arrive and may be asked to complete a questionnaire, if you haven't done so already (sometimes these are sent out before the appointment). This will enable the therapist to offer you the most appropriate treatment.

The questionnaire

Possible questions you'll need to answer

• Have you had the problem before?
• Have you had this kind of therapy before?
• Have you suffered any new injuries or problems since your referral?
• What other illnesses do you have?
• What medicines are you currently taking?
• Are you allergic to anything as far as you're aware?

It's a good idea to find out what you should wear from the therapy centre beforehand. Most therapies require you to undress to a certain degree.

What and how much clothing you'll need to remove will depend on which therapy you're having and which part of your body's being treated.

You may be advised to wear light clothing such as you would to the gym (for example, T-shirt or vest, shorts or jogging pants and training shoes), or swimwear and something to cover your hair if you're having hydrotherapy.

Your therapist will review the answers you've provided on the questionnaire and the letter of referral from your doctor, and perform an assessment of your problem and what the most appropriate treatment might be.

After this they'll explain the treatment and give the first session. Feel free to ask any questions or request that additional information be provided in writing.

Once the first session is completed, you'll be told when you need to return and about any exercises you need to do before your next treatment. Always check whether there's anything you shouldn't do for the moment, such as driving or housework.

Your therapist should advise you on how many treatment sessions they think you'll need and when you can expect to feel any results.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in February 2007.