Appointment with the physiotherapist? Ask yourself the following questions

At a first visit to the physiotherapist, there is a lot to discuss. To make the best possible use of the available time, it is wise to think about a number of matters at home in advance.

The following questions can help:

Insurance and expectations

• Am I insured for physiotherapy?
  Check whether the health insurer reimburses physiotherapy treatments and whether the physiotherapist has a contract with the health insurer.
• What is my request for help or goal?
  For example: receive advice or exercises, be able to exercise again, pain reduction, maintain independence, etc.
• What do I expect from the physiotherapist?
  Consider what you want to achieve with the visit to the physiotherapist. Do you want to know where your complaints come from? Do you expect to get rid of the complaints completely? In what time frame?

About your complaints

• What are my complaints?
  Pain, stiffness, tingling, loss of strength, swelling, instability, etc.
• How did my complaints start?
  Due to a wrong movement, poor posture, accident, overuse, etc.
• Have I had these complaints before?
  Were the complaints the same then? How were they resolved back then?
• How long have I had complaints?
  A few days, weeks, or longer?
• Have the complaints increased, decreased, or remained the same?
  Consider what you felt when the complaints first occurred and how the complaints are at the moment.
• What worsens or reduces the complaints?
  Rest, movement, medication, a certain posture, etc.
• Have I already done something myself to reduce the complaints?
  Rest, cooling, exercises, pain relief, etc.

Limitations and previous treatments

• What are my limitations?
  Difficulty with dressing or undressing, climbing stairs, sports, household tasks, work, overhead activities, etc.
• Have any investigations or treatments already been done for these complaints?
  X-rays, scans, medication, previous treatments with a physiotherapist or other healthcare provider?
• Have I ever had surgery?
  If you have ever had surgery in the area of the complaints, it is good to discuss this with the physiotherapist. Even if you have had procedures on the heart, lungs, or blood vessels, the physiotherapist would like to know this.

Recovery and general health

• Are there factors that influence my recovery?
  This can be both positive and negative.
• How is my general health?
  Fitness, heart or vascular diseases, high blood pressure, lung problems, rheumatism, diabetes, psychological complaints, a history of cancer, other diseases or conditions, etc.
• Do I use medication?
  Even if you use (or have used) medicines, it can sometimes be important for the physiotherapist to know this.