Tips and advice for the first visit to the physiotherapist

Anyone who struggles with orthopaedic complaints in their back or joints during sport or in everyday life will certainly have thought about visiting a physiotherapist. Perhaps you have been prescribed physiotherapy or simply need support with your training? Sooner or later, all of us will probably visit a physiotherapist. Then it's time: Pick up the phone or book an appointment online. That sounds simple enough. Now nothing stands in the way of your first visit to the physiotherapy practice, does it? 

If it weren't for the many questions: How does the first appointment work? What do I actually have to wear? And how long does it all take? These are all good questions that we want to answer in this article. Then nothing will stand in the way of your first appointment with a physiotherapist. 

What do I need to bring to physiotherapy? 

The simple answer: everything that helps with getting to know each other and the organisational process. This includes, of course, the prescription, if one is available. In addition, reports from other doctors and therapists as well as the results of imaging procedures such as X-rays etc. are helpful and important. At our very first appointment, we get to know each other in a medical history interview. In this we clarify the symptoms and findings. We also ask a few questions ourselves and let the patient tell us what they think. Each patient should also "bring along" a little time, about 10 minutes before and after their first appointment. Then we can also take care of all the organisational matters, fill out forms and questionnaires or clarify further appointments. 

What also makes our work easier is when patients come to us clean, i.e. when they "bring" a well-groomed appearance. After all, patients also get hygiene from us therapists at Physios Köln. This also means that the therapy tables are always freshly disinfected when treatment begins. 

Can I come to the Physios Köln practice without a prescription? 

Yes, even without a prescription and a preliminary examination by a doctor, you can easily book an appointment with us, take your first lesson and start your therapy. As sectoral naturopaths For physio, we are trained to carry out the examination and diagnosis ourselves. However, you must be aware of this: Statutory health insurance companies do not usually cover the therapy without a prescription. However, you may have supplementary insurance or private insurance that covers alternative practitioner hours? In this case, it is definitely worth clarifying the conditions with your insurance company. 

How can I get a prescription for physiotherapy? 

As physiotherapy is used for many different areas of the body, there are also a whole range of specialists who prescribe the therapy. Depending on where your complaints arise, a specialist will be able to help you:

• Orthopaedists
• General practitioners
• Surgeons
• Dermatologists
• Internists
• Orthodontists
• Dentists
• Ear, nose and throat specialist
• Neurologists

What should I wear to the physiotherapist? 

To enable us to recognise and classify the symptoms correctly, we carry out a comprehensive physiotherapeutic diagnosis that matches the symptoms. It is therefore easier and more pleasant for us and the patients if they wear comfortable but close-fitting, athletic clothing - our work clothes are also comfortable. Finally, physical exercises can also be part of the therapy. Especially in the first hour, an examination can also be carried out in underwear. Nobody has to go shopping for this, but the clothing should be appropriate. 

By the way: If patients feel uncomfortable about something, it is always better to address this directly with the therapist. That way we can deal with it. 

After the initial visit, in the following treatments, we also often carry out active exercises. It is therefore worth bringing sportswear and a towel to the treatments by prior arrangement. There is a changing room in our practice where you can get changed. 

What happens at the first physiotherapy appointment? 

Even though individual sessions may differ during an appointment, the first visit to the physiotherapist is very similar for many patients. Once the organisational matters such as contact details, health insurance, prescription etc. have been clarified, we start with the medical history interview. We ask questions and clarify the findings in order to come to the right conclusions. The patient can also prepare well for this: Why are they coming to us? 

This is followed by a status assessment, including tests in which we examine the body using movements and grips, among other things, and put mobility to the test. This is how we make restrictions measurable. We also scrutinise certain areas of the body at the first appointment with the physiotherapist. This ensures that we arrive at a better diagnosis during the tests. Sometimes it is necessary to undress. Suitable underwear or short, tight sports trousers are therefore helpful. 

Only after the tests can we make a diagnosis and discuss goals and wishes with the patient. We clarify the limitations and symptoms, the progression, how to deal with symptoms and possible prognoses. We then set goals together and discuss the therapy. 

How long does an appointment with a physiotherapist take? 

Approximately 30 minutes should be allowed for the initial examination. After that, treatments can take between 15 and 60 minutes. Depending on the treatment, patients at our practice in Sülz therefore have very different lengths of time. Physiotherapy and manual therapy, for example, take up to 25 minutes, while group sessions on the equipment can take up to 60 minutes. 

How often do I have to go to physiotherapy? 

This depends entirely on the diagnosis and the symptoms. In most cases, a doctor will also determine in advance how many hours of therapy will be prescribed. It is often between 6-8 hours of physiotherapy. The health insurance companies also have regulations on how long the treatments have to be carried out after prescription, e.g. within three months. But nobody wants half measures and only half success, do they? We want happy and healthy patients. That's why we like to discuss therapy and measures with each patient individually. We integrate patients holistically and make decisions together. 

I have statutory health insurance, do I have to pay anything extra for physiotherapy? 

Yes, a co-payment is due on every statutory prescription for therapeutic products. This is not for the practice, but is paid to the respective health insurance companies and is regulated by law. Nevertheless, the co-payment must be paid by the patient to the practice. 

Patients pay ten per cent of the total treatment costs themselves, plus ten euros for the prescription, for example the referral to us. This can be paid in cash at our practice or by EC card. 

But not everyone has to pay this co-payment. Patients with a serious chronic illness, for example, can have a co-payment exemption issued. This requires a medical certificate.