Published August 31, 2026
Your first physiotherapy appointment is usually more than just treatment. The physiotherapist needs to understand what is bothering you, how it affects your daily activities and what your goals are.
History and assessment
Expect questions about your symptoms, relevant medical history, how the problem started and which activities are difficult. The physical assessment may look at movement, strength, mobility and functional tasks depending on the concern.
Your treatment plan
After the assessment, the physiotherapist explains the findings and recommends a plan. Treatment may begin the same day when appropriate, but the exact approach depends on the assessment.
What to bring
Bring relevant health-benefit information if you plan to use direct billing, plus any referral, imaging report or post-surgical instructions you already have. A referral is not generally required to book physiotherapy in Ontario, although some insurance plans may require one for reimbursement.