The Initial Assessment – Here’s What To Expect

Oh, hello there. First time in the clinic? You probably have a few questions. Well, we’re here to help so let’s get you started.

The main goal of an initial assessment is to determine possible causes of your injury or impairment. We also ask: What can we do to remove or alleviate the pain?

One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes, you may be a bit sore after an assessment.  This is largely due to the fact that we’ve probably just moved your body in ways you’ve been avoiding due to discomfort or pain.  In order to determine a course of action, we as therapists trust in functional movement assessment techniques to help us get you back to the best version of yourselves as quickly as possible!

 

What to Expect

• Our initial assessments typically consist of a 1 hour one-on-one session with a therapist, and 99 percent of the time, treatment will be provided on the first visit as well.

• The therapist will review your health history as well as pose a series of helpful “red flag” questions with the purpose of eliminating any sinister causes as the root of your injury/impairment.

• Expect to move!  Our bodies were designed to do so and chances are, you’re here to figure out what is keeping you from pain free movement.

• It’s always a good idea to come dressed in non-restrictive clothing so that when a therapist is assessing your squat for example, you’re not going to be doing so in a suit or skirt.

• If you have any diagnostic imaging available to you (x-ray, MRI), we will be happy to have a look at that with you.

• Homework is probably going to be assigned.  Getting you back to feeling great will require your active participation and expectations will be set out for you by your therapist.  We are always available by phone or email if you ever have any questions or need clarification on what your homework is.

The initial assessment is the first step in getting you back in action.  Just remember, we want to see you as little as possible, but as much as necessary to get and keep you pain-free and functioning well.

If you are unsure about what type of treatment you should start with, I can tell you that both our physiotherapists and chiropractors are fantastic options to get that ball rolling. Check out my blog on what type of treatment may suit you best.

And as always, you can find the perfect time for your assessment online here. 💚

**During the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a few extra things you can expect.

You can expect that we’ll be closely following all safety protocols. You can expect that we’ll be sanitizing like CRAZY!

You can expect to have to be screened before each and every appointment before you can enter the clinic. We will be sending out emails 2 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.