On scans
Usually you do not need one first. Most back, neck and shoulder problems can be assessed and treated without imaging, and a scan often shows changes that have nothing to do with the pain you actually have. If the assessment points to something a scan would genuinely change our management of, we will say so and write to your GP that day rather than order one ourselves.
On what to wear
Something you can move in. Shorts for a hip, knee or back problem, a singlet or t-shirt for a shoulder or neck. Bare feet are fine in the clinic, and we will ask you to walk and step during the assessment, so leave the good shoes at home if you can.
On what to bring
Any scans or discharge notes you already have, your health fund card if you want the HICAPS claim processed on the spot, and a referral if you have one. A referral is only required if you are claiming through a GP chronic disease management plan, a work injury claim or DVA. Physiotherapy is a primary contact profession, so most people book directly without one.
On the written estimate
This is the part most clinics skip. At the end of the first appointment you get an honest number: how many visits a plan like yours usually takes, written down rather than left open-ended. For a first-time back or neck problem that average is about five visits, and at visit three we give you a straight read on whether it is tracking to that number or not.
