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22355 48 Ave (Unit 102), Langley BC V3A 3N4

(778) 366-8888

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Regain Health Physiotherapy & Hand Clinic

First visit, what to expect.

first visit at the physiotherapy

Your first physiotherapy appointment might sound daunting at first, especially if you’ve never been to one before. Maybe your doctor recommended physiotherapy. Or perhaps a friend suggested it after you experienced a nagging and persistent injury.

Visiting a physiotherapist is an excellent way to enhance function, improve strength, increase flexibility, and generally, feel better after pain or injury has happened. A physiotherapist can help you get back to your sport of choice or help you get back to your favourite activities, free from pain and without worry of re-injury.

Ready to start with your first physiotherapy appointment?

Before your first appointment

So, you have scheduled your very first physiotherapist visit. Now what? It’s time to plan ahead!

When coming for your first visit, remember to carry your Care Card and a Photo ID. If you’ve any claims related to WSBC and ICBC, make sure to provide the claim number and doctor’s referral. Also, make sure to carry your Extended Insurance Card if you want to avail benefits of your Extended Medical Insurance.

Before your physiotherapy appointment, make sure you plan to arrive about 10-15 minutes before. This allows adequate time for you to fill out any new patient intake forms, insurance information, consent form or other questionnaires.

Generally, you also want to wear loose and comfortable clothing. For example, as part of your initial assessment, you may need to walk or squat while your physiotherapist observes your movement patterns. Wearing loose and comfortable clothing makes this that much easier.

Before your appointment, it’s also important to make sure you properly hydrate yourself and eat a small meal or snack.

During your first appointment

Your first appointment consists of an initial assessment. If you’ve any medical reports like MRI, CT scan, X-rays or other documents related to the problem, do submit these documents.

This is also where your physiotherapist will test your strength, flexibility, function, gait, reflexes, and more to properly diagnose the issue and determine an appropriate treatment plan. They may also use palpation techniques to assess the injured or affected area.

Typically, this assessment lasts for approximately 60 minutes. Along the way, feel free to ask any questions you might have. Your physiotherapist will communicate the entire time, often coming to a conclusion toward the end of your assessment.

From there, your physiotherapist diagnoses your condition or injury. They will let you know when and how often they expect to see you. They may also offer up a general timeline regarding what you can expect when it comes to making a full recovery.

After your first appointment

On your way out from your initial appointment, you can book any follow-up appointments that you require here onwards.

In the days that follow, you may also feel quite sore, depending on the different tests that were completed during your assessment. This is only temporary. Any soreness should subside in about 24-48 hours. During this time, make sure you keep your body properly fuelled and hydrated, since this can help dissipate any lingering soreness.

Most follow-up appointments are between 30-45 minutes. Depending on your pain or injury, the number of follow-up appointments you need may vary.

We will provide receipt(s) for all physiotherapy services via an email (preferred) or by paper receipt (on request). These are original receipts and should be acceptable by all insurance providers.

Various payments methods are available at our Clinic – Credit (VISA / Master Card / AMEX), Debit, Cash and E- transfer.

Once you register with Regain Health Centre, never worry about missing appointments. Streamlined software will send you reminder emails and messages based when your appointments are coming up.

We are always happy to clear out any and all doubts about appointments. Feel free to reach out to us by phone or email with your inquiries.

Are you in pain?

Let our professional physical therapist help you today. Don’t let a minor ache become a major injury.

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