What happens during the physical assessment?

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Physiotherapy, 1st session: the physical assessment

A personalized physiotherapy session always begins with a physical assessment, which takes place during the first meeting. Please bring all your specialist medical reports and imaging results with you to every appointment, as this greatly assists the therapist’s work.

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What happens during the physical assessment?

During the physical assessment, the therapist assesses the patient’s general musculoskeletal condition. Comprehensive questions are asked regarding current complaints, medical history, previous injuries, surgeries, other illnesses, and sports activities.

This is followed by the collection of objective information. The therapist observes the patient’s posture from four sides in a standing position, assesses postural deviations, and then examines the active movements of the lower back and cervical spine. The range of motion, quality of movement, and presence of pain are evaluated. In a supine position, the therapist palpates the tissues to check for tension, adhesions, and muscle tone. Subsequently, special tests are applied, including muscle tests and nerve stretching tests.

During the initial physical assessment, the therapist examines not only the symptomatic area but also other joints, muscles, and structures, as in some cases, deviations in regions distant from the current complaint can also cause the problem.

Following the musculoskeletal examination, the patient receives detailed information about any significant deviations. Then, after establishing the physiotherapy functional diagnosis, the short-term and long-term treatment goals, the applicable therapies, and the frequency and duration of treatments are determined in collaboration with the patient.

What happens after the physical assessment?

After the physical assessment, physiotherapy treatment can begin.

In cases of acute complaints or intense pain, 2 sessions per week are recommended for the first 1-2 weeks, after which the patient can transition to 55-minute therapy sessions weekly. For long-standing, less intense pain, significant improvement can be achieved with one session per week. Subsequently, the frequency of treatments can be modified according to the patient’s condition and needs.

Regarding the number of treatments, a course of 10 sessions is recommended. In cases of long-standing complaints, multiple postural deviations may be observed, the resolution of which requires time and patience from both the patient and the therapist. Positive changes typically begin after 2-3 treatments; however, premature termination often leads to treatment failure and the recurrence of symptoms in a significant number of cases.

In our clinics, we offer discounted VIP pass purchase conditions for our committed patients. The structure of therapies varies, but generally, we combine soft tissue manual therapy treatments, physiotherapy and exercise therapy to alleviate the complaints of those who seek our help.

Treatment is always personalized, whether for a sports injury, traumatic injury, or chronic overuse problem. Our therapists have the opportunity to consult with our specialist doctors about our patients’ conditions to ensure the fastest possible recovery.

Feel free to contact us for a physical assessment and personalized physiotherapy; our skilled therapists await you at BMM clinics!