# What happens during a first physiotherapy appointment?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/what-happens-during-a-first-physiotherapy-appointment
For: Patients | Physiotherapy care | Last updated 19 October 2026

**Answer:** A first physiotherapy appointment is mainly an assessment. The physiotherapist asks about the main problem, medical history, medicines, previous tests and treatment, daily activities and goals. They then assess relevant movement, strength, balance, walking, breathing or everyday tasks, explain the findings and agree a treatment or referral plan. You may receive first exercises or advice, but only once there is enough information to prescribe them safely. First visits are often longer than follow-ups.

### What the first visit usually covers

Assessment begins with what you cannot do and what you want to return to. Tests are chosen to answer specific questions, not run for the sake of it.

- Review of symptoms, medical and surgical history, medicines and previous care
- Screening for warning signs that need medical referral
- Checks of relevant movement, strength, balance, walking or endurance
- Everyday tasks such as stairs, transfers or work movements, because function often matters more than single measurements
- Agreed goals, an initial plan and a review date, or a referral if physiotherapy is not the right next step

You can usually bring a family member or caregiver. Tell the physiotherapist about recent injury, fever, severe night pain, new weakness or numbness, bladder or bowel changes, pregnancy or recent surgery.

## Related questions

- [Can children have physiotherapy?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-children-receive-physiotherapy)
- [Can older adults benefit from physiotherapy?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-older-adults-benefit-from-physiotherapy)
- [Can physiotherapy be combined with medication or injections?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-physiotherapy-be-combined-with-medication-or-injections)

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**About Tymira Health:** Tymira Health is a healthcare technology company based in Nairobi, Kenya. It builds Tymira360, a practice management and EHR platform for mental health, physiotherapy and dental providers, clinics, hospitals, NGOs and insurers across Africa.

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