The First Appointment videos are to help you be mentally and physically prepared to start treatment with a physiotherapist.
The series was developed by EML in consultation with experienced physiotherapist and pain management expert, Lisa McPherson, to help set expectations about a first appointment following a work-related injury.
Seeing a Physiotherapist
If you have a workers compensation claim for a physical injury, it is highly likely that you will see a physiotherapist at some point in your treatment.
Seeing a treater for the first time can be daunting and you may be unsure what recovery looks like for you. To help you understand what questions you will be asked, what to bring and what treatment you may be offered, we have developed these handy videos featuring experienced physiotherapist and pain management expert, Lisa McPherson.
Your physiotherapist will start with hands-on treatment to support an uncomfortable area. But after a few sessions you will often start to do a few exercises to correct your posture, changing the way you move and doing some stretching and strengthening exercises to help you to return to activity.”
Watch the videos
What does a physiotherapist do?
In this video Lisa explains what a physiotherapist does
Why might you be sent to a physiotherapist
In this video Lisa explains why your doctor might refer you to a physiotherapist
What types of treatment will I be offered?
In this video Lisa explains the types of treatment that you will undertake with your physiotherapist and the importance of active treatment
What questions will I be asked?
In this video Lisa discusses some of the questions your physio might ask you in your first appointment and the importance of giving feedback
What should I bring?
Lisa mentions some of the things you can bring along to your appointment to make the experience easier for you and your physio
What should I wear?
Lisa outlines what clothing should be worn to an appointment and what to do if your injury is in a sensitive location
Will treatment hurt?
This video talks about if you will feel any pain during treatment and what to do in the event you do
Will I be given exercises to do at home?
Lisa gives you an overview of the homework your physio might give you
How do I know if I’m recovering?
In this video Lisa identifies some of the ways you can tell if your injury is getting better
What if I’m not getting along with my physiotherapist?
In this video Lisa talks about what you can do if you do not feel comfortable with the physio you are seeing
Physiotherapy tips
Lisa provides some of her top tips to get the most out of physio
As Lisa mentions, playing an active role in your recovery and communicating with your physiotherapist about your levels of pain, movement and recovery goals will put you in the best possible position to return to life and work.