The first appointment will include both an assessment and a treatment session and will last approximately 60–70 minutes. The aim is to assess the injury, understand how it affects everyday activities, and develop a suitable physiotherapy treatment plan.

Assessment:

Will include:

• Visual assessment: Examining the injured area to identify swelling, bruising, or other visible changes.
• Physical examination: Gently checking the affected area for tenderness, discomfort, or soft tissue tightness.
• Range of movement: Assessing joint movement and flexibility where appropriate.
• Functional assessment: Understanding how the injury affects movement and daily activities.
• Goal setting: Discussing the client’s concerns and recovery goals.
• Treatment planning: Explaining the proposed treatment and expected approach to recovery.

Treatment:

Treatment for non-surgical injuries will be tailored to the type of injury, symptoms, and stage of healing. Treatment may include:

• Massage and hands-on treatment: To help relieve muscle tension and improve comfort.
• Stretching and mobilisation: To support flexibility and restore movement where appropriate.
• Scar management: Where a wound has healed and scar tissue is present, suitable techniques may help improve scar flexibility and reduce tightness or adhesions.
• Lymphatic drainage: Where appropriate, gentle techniques may be used to help manage swelling.
• Personalised exercises: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, movement, and function.
• Advice and education: Guidance on managing symptoms, protecting the injured area, and gradually returning to normal activities.