Complete step-by-step guide to your first physiotherapy appointment in India
Your first physiotherapy visit is an important step toward recovery and pain management. Whether you're dealing with an injury, chronic pain, post-surgery rehabilitation, or any musculoskeletal issue, knowing what to expect can help you feel prepared and get the most from your appointment.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of your first visit - from preparation and what to bring, to the assessment process, treatment options, costs, and follow-up planning. By the end, you'll feel confident and ready for your appointment.
X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasound reports, blood test results - bring everything relevant to your condition, preferably in digital format (CD or on your phone)
If your doctor has referred you, bring the referral letter. Some insurance companies require this for claims
Write down all medications, supplements, and vitamins you're currently taking, including dosages
Health insurance card, Aadhar card, driver's license, or any government-issued photo ID
Wear or bring loose-fitting, comfortable clothes that allow easy movement. Shorts and t-shirt are ideal. Avoid jeans or tight clothing
To take notes on exercises, instructions, and important information. Or use your phone to take photos/videos of exercises
If you use a cane, walker, brace, or any other assistive device, bring it so the physiotherapist can assess how you use it
Cash, card, or UPI - check what payment methods the clinic accepts. Some may require advance payment for packages
When you arrive, you'll check in at the reception. You'll be asked to fill out forms covering:
Pro tip: Some clinics allow you to download and fill forms in advance. Ask when booking your appointment.
The physiotherapist will have a detailed conversation with you to understand your condition. This is crucial for accurate diagnosis. They'll ask about:
Be honest and thorough: Don't minimize symptoms or leave things out. The more information you provide, the better the physiotherapist can help you. There's no judgment here - they need complete information for accurate assessment.
This is the most important part of the assessment. The physiotherapist will perform various tests to identify the problem. The examination typically includes:
Looking at your posture while standing, sitting, and moving. They'll observe body alignment, muscle bulk, asymmetries, and how you move.
You'll be asked to move the affected joint or body part in different directions. This tests how far you can move (flexibility) and whether movement causes pain. Done both actively (you move) and passively (therapist moves for you).
Testing the strength of specific muscles by asking you to push, pull, or resist against the therapist's hand. Rated on a scale from 0 (no movement) to 5 (full strength).
The physiotherapist will feel (palpate) the affected area to check for tenderness, swelling, muscle tension, temperature changes, or structural abnormalities.
Specific tests designed for particular conditions. For example: Orthopedic tests for joint problems, neurological tests for nerve issues, balance tests for vestibular problems. Each test helps confirm or rule out specific diagnoses.
You may be asked to perform activities relevant to your problem - walking, climbing stairs, reaching overhead, squatting, etc. This shows how your condition affects real-life tasks.
Observing how you walk to identify abnormal patterns that may contribute to your problem or result from it.
What to expect: You may need to change into the comfortable clothes you brought. The examination involves movement and some discomfort as problematic areas are tested. Tell the physiotherapist immediately if anything causes sharp pain. All examinations are done with appropriate draping and privacy maintained.
After the assessment, the physiotherapist will explain their findings. This discussion should cover:
What's causing your problem in simple, understandable terms. They may use anatomical models or diagrams to explain.
What led to this condition - biomechanical issues, lifestyle factors, muscle imbalances, etc.
What outcome to expect with treatment. Be realistic about timeline - healing takes time.
Specific techniques and modalities recommended: manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, electrotherapy, taping, etc.
How many sessions per week and total estimated number of sessions.
When you should start seeing improvement and estimated time to full recovery.
What you need to do between sessions to support recovery.
Total projected cost, package options, and insurance coverage if applicable.
Ask questions: Don't leave confused. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification. A good physiotherapist will take time to ensure you understand your condition and treatment plan completely.
Most physiotherapists provide initial treatment during the first visit. While the first session focuses more on assessment, you'll typically receive:
The intensity of treatment in the first session is usually conservative. The physiotherapist wants to see how your body responds before advancing to more intensive techniques.
Before you leave, you'll receive a home exercise program. This is crucial - success in physiotherapy depends heavily on what you do between sessions.
Ask for written instructions or a printout with images. Many physiotherapists now send exercise videos via WhatsApp or email. Take photos or videos on your phone during demonstration.
Clear guidance on activities to avoid, modifications to daily tasks, and any lifestyle changes needed during recovery.
Schedule your next session before leaving. Follow-ups are typically within 2-3 days for acute conditions, once a week for chronic issues.
Pay for the session (or package if you're purchasing one). Get a detailed receipt for insurance claims if needed.
Get the physiotherapist's contact number or clinic helpline in case you have questions or problems before the next session.
Typical: 45-60 minutes
Complex cases: 60-90 minutes
Brief initial assessment: 30-45 minutes (some clinics)
First visits are longer because they include comprehensive history taking, detailed examination, and treatment planning in addition to initial treatment.
Standard: 30-45 minutes
Intensive treatment: 45-60 minutes
Quick sessions: 20-30 minutes (simple treatments)
Follow-up sessions are shorter as they focus on treatment and exercise progression rather than extensive assessment.
Hospital-based clinics and specialized centers at the higher end
Good quality care at more affordable rates
More economical options with qualified physiotherapists
Subsidized rates but longer waiting times
Includes travel charges, typically 1.5-2x clinic rates
Don't hesitate to ask questions. A good physiotherapist welcomes them. Here are essential questions:
Find qualified physiotherapists near you and start your journey to recovery
Bring: all relevant medical records and test results (X-rays, MRIs, blood tests), doctor's referral or prescription if you have one, list of current medications and supplements, insurance card and ID proof, comfortable loose-fitting clothing, notepad for instructions, and any assistive devices you use (cane, walker, brace).
The initial physiotherapy assessment typically takes 45-60 minutes, sometimes up to 90 minutes for complex cases. This is longer than follow-up sessions (30-45 minutes) because it includes comprehensive history taking, detailed physical examination, and treatment planning.
The physical examination includes: postural assessment, range of motion testing, strength testing, palpation of affected areas, special tests specific to your condition, movement pattern analysis, gait assessment if relevant, and functional testing. The physiotherapist will explain each test and may ask you to perform various movements.
Yes, most physiotherapists provide initial treatment during the first visit after the assessment. This may include pain relief techniques, basic exercises, manual therapy, or modalities like ice/heat. However, the first session focuses more on evaluation than intensive treatment.
First visit costs in India typically range from Rs. 500-2000 depending on location and clinic type. Metro cities: Rs. 800-2000, Tier-2 cities: Rs. 500-1200. Hospital-based clinics are usually at the higher end. Some clinics charge the same for initial and follow-up sessions, while others charge more for the detailed first assessment.
Ask about: your diagnosis and what's causing your problem, the proposed treatment plan and techniques, expected timeline and number of sessions needed, what you can do at home to help recovery, activities to avoid, when you can expect to see improvement, total estimated cost, and whether insurance covers the treatment.
Yes, arrive 10-15 minutes early for your first appointment. This gives you time to complete registration forms, provide medical history, settle insurance paperwork, use the restroom if needed, and relax before your assessment. Being rushed can affect your assessment experience.
Yes, you can eat normally before physiotherapy. In fact, it's recommended to have a light meal 1-2 hours before your appointment to maintain energy levels, especially for the first session which can be lengthy. Avoid heavy meals immediately before as some exercises may be uncomfortable on a full stomach.
Complete guide to finding the right therapist
Complete pricing guide for India
Hands-on techniques for pain relief
Personalized exercise programs for recovery
Relief for lower back, disc, and sciatica pain
Learn how BestPhysio helps you find care