Why Your Initial Physiotherapy Assessment Should Be 60 Minutes (And What to Expect)
If you’ve seen physiotherapists before, you may have experienced short appointments, quick assessments, and being sent home with a generic exercise sheet (or even stick figure drawings!!!).
Many people leave those sessions feeling rushed or unheard. Sometimes, you might still be confused about what’s actually going on in your body when the session is over.
At Shape Physio Melbourne, all initial assessments are 60 minutes because your story, your symptoms, and your goals are worth diving into.
This time allows us to properly understand what’s happening, create clarity around your condition, and begin meaningful treatment in the same session. When we assess thoroughly, that sets us up for successful rehabilitation.
Here’s why longer assessments matter and what your first session includes.
Why 60 Minutes Makes a Difference
1) Your Pain Has a Story and It Matters
Understanding your injury isn’t just about where it hurts.
We discuss:
How symptoms began.
Your training or work demands.
Past injuries.
Lifestyle factors (sleep, stress, movement habits).
Pain is complex. Time allows us to understand your whole context, not just your body part.
2) A Proper Movement Assessment Takes Time
To treat effectively, we need to see how your body moves.
This may include:
Strength checks.
Range of motion testing.
Balance and control testing.
Gait or running analysis.
Functional movements (sitting, standing, lifting, reaching).
These tests help identify what’s contributing to the pain, not just where it shows up.
3) You Receive Hands-On Treatment in the First Session (if appropriate)
You won’t leave feeling like your appointment was “just an assessment.”
Treatment may include:
Manual therapy / soft tissue release.
Joint mobilisation.
Taping if appropriate.
Guided movement retraining.
You will leave with some relief and clarity from the very first appointment.
4) You Leave With a Personalised Plan
Not a cookie-cutter printout or stick figures quickly drawn on a piece of paper.
You’ll receive:
Exercises that match your body and goals.
A clear explanation of your condition.
What to expect in the next few weeks.
Exactly how to progress at home.
This is the difference between guessing and knowing what to do next.
What to Expect in Your Initial Assessment (60 Minutes)
Here’s what your 60-minute initial assessment will look like, so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.
Conversation and History: This part helps us understand your symptoms, your goals, and what matters most to you.
Movement Testing: We assess how you move to identify what’s driving your pain or limiting your performance.
Hands-On Treatment: Techniques like manual therapy or soft tissue work are used to reduce discomfort and improve mobility.
Exercise Guidance: You’ll learn targeted exercises to start building strength, confidence, and long-term resilience.
Clear Plan: You’ll leave with a straightforward plan so you know exactly what to do next, no guesswork.
Who This Session Is For
This 60-minute initial assessment is ideal if you:
Have ongoing or recurring pain.
Are returning to sport or running.
Prefer a calm, thorough, one-on-one approach.
Want to understand your body and not just treat symptoms.
If you’ve ever felt rushed or dismissed in a clinic, this will feel different.
What Makes Shape Physio Melbourne Different
Your physio experience should feel supportive, calm, and personalised. Here’s how Shape Physio Melbourne delivers that:
One-on-one care.
Longer appointment times.
Evidence-informed treatment.
No pressure, no overwhelm.
A calm environment where you can ask questions.
The goal is not just to reduce pain; it’s to help you move with confidence again.
Book Your Initial Physiotherapy Assessment
If you're in Melbourne CBD and want clarity, support, and meaningful progress, you can book online through this link.
Or, send a message if you’d like to chat first. 💬