<p>If you are referred by the GP, consultant or another health professional</p><p>A letter will be sent to you asking you to contact us for an appointment and in due course you will have an appointment at a time, which is convenient to you.</p><p>What if I miss an appointment?</p><p>It is really important that you let us know if you cannot attend your appointment so that we can offer this to another patient. Wasted appointment slots mean that there is a longer wait for other patients.</p><p>What to expect?</p><p>Your first visit takes about 30-60 minutes on a one-to-one basis. You will be asked the following questions about your problems which include:</p><p> What is troubling you?</p><p> What makes it worse or better?</p><p> How long have you had it?</p><p> Have you had it before?</p><p> Any previous treatments?</p><p> Your general health?</p><p> What medication you are on?</p><p> What are your expectations of physiotherapy?</p><p> What do you think is the cause of the problem?</p><p>After the questions you will have a physical examination appropriate to your needs.</p><p>After this we will ask you to set some goals regarding what you would like to achieve from the physiotherapy service e.g. sleep at night, able to walk.</p><p>We will then discuss a treatment plan specifically designed for you which may include exercises. It is important that you are happy to try these exercises at home to help.</p><p>What should I wear?</p><p>Bring shorts and a t-shirt if you have them. However you maybe asked to undress to your underwear so that we can assess you fully.</p><p>What do we offer regarding physiotherapy?  Specific exercises for you to do</p><p> Manual therapy carried out by a therapist( “hands-on”)</p><p> Back classes</p><p> Leg classes</p><p> OA hip and knee classes</p><p> Massage as appropriate</p><p> Machines to add tissue healing</p><p> Acupuncture for pain relief</p><p> Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator for pain relief TENS</p><p> Traction</p><p> Steroid injections for peripheral joints e.g. knees and shoulders</p>