Your First Physiotherapy Appointment: What to Expect
Complete guide for your first physiotherapy visit in Côte Saint-Luc. Assessment, treatment, exercises and follow-up plan.
Your First Physiotherapy Consultation: Everything You Need to Know
Seeing a physiotherapist for the first time can feel intimidating. Whether for a sports injury, chronic pain, or post-surgical rehabilitation, it's normal to wonder what to expect. At Réhabital clinic in Côte Saint-Luc, here's exactly how your first session unfolds.
Before Your Appointment
To optimize your first visit, we recommend:
• Prepare your medical history: List of diagnoses, surgeries, current medications
• Bring your test results: X-rays, MRIs, relevant medical reports
• Wear comfortable clothing: The physiotherapist will need to access and see the affected area
• Prepare your questions: Write down anything you'd like to ask
• Check your insurance coverage: Physiotherapy is covered by most private insurance in Quebec
The Initial Assessment (30-45 minutes)
The first step is a comprehensive assessment that helps the physiotherapist understand your condition:
Subjective interview: The physiotherapist will ask detailed questions about your pain: when it started, what aggravates or relieves it, its impact on daily activities and your treatment goals.
Physical examination: Assessment of posture, range of motion, muscle strength, flexibility and condition-specific tests. For example, for a painful shoulder, the physiotherapist will test the rotator cuff, shoulder stability and cervical mobility.
Functional tests: Assessment of your abilities in functional movements — walking, stair climbing, balance, movements related to your sport or work.
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
After the assessment, the physiotherapist will explain:
• Clinical diagnosis: What's causing your pain or limitation
• Short and long-term goals: What we aim to achieve
• Recommended frequency: Typically 1 to 2 sessions per week for 6 to 12 weeks
• Prognosis: Realistic estimate of recovery time
Treatment Techniques
At Réhabital, our physiotherapists use a variety of evidence-based techniques:
• Manual therapy: Joint mobilizations and soft tissue manipulation
• Therapeutic exercises: Strengthening, stretching, proprioception
• Electrotherapy: TENS, ultrasound, interferential current for pain management
• Therapeutic taping: Kinesiotaping for support and postural correction
• Patient education: Ergonomics, posture, injury prevention
Home Exercises
An essential part of physiotherapy happens at home. Your physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises to do between sessions. These exercises accelerate healing and prevent recurrences. Consistency with exercises is often the most determining factor in treatment success.
Common Questions About Your First Visit
How long does the first session last? The first session typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes (assessment + initial treatment). Subsequent sessions last 30 to 45 minutes.
Do I need a medical referral? No. In Quebec, you can see a physiotherapist through direct access, without a medical referral.
Is physiotherapy covered by insurance? Yes, the vast majority of private insurance plans cover physiotherapy. We provide the necessary receipts for your claims.
Why Choose Réhabital for Your Physiotherapy?
Our clinic at Cavendish Mall, Côte Saint-Luc offers unique advantages:
• Multidisciplinary approach: If needed, collaboration with our osteopaths and massage therapists
• Modern equipment: Latest electrotherapy and exercise equipment
• Accessibility: Easily accessible from Hampstead, Westmount, NDG, Snowdon and Mont-Royal
Book your first physiotherapy consultation today and start your recovery journey.
Specialized services available
Our physiotherapist Réhabital Team (OPPQ member) also offers the official evaluation for the SAAQ disabled parking permit and STM Adapted Transport — 60-minute appointment at our Côte Saint-Luc clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Go deeper with our dedicated physiotherapy pages
Physiotherapy pages with Colin Teghen Tamuton (OPPQ) in Côte Saint-Luc:
Related conditions we treat
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