How to Prepare for Your First Online Physiotherapy Session

Quick answer: to get the most from your first online physiotherapy session, choose a quiet space with room to move, set up your phone or tablet so the physiotherapist can see your whole body, wear comfortable clothes, write down your symptoms and questions beforehand, and keep any reports or scans nearby. Be ready to describe what hurts, when it hurts and what you want to be able to do again.

What an online physiotherapy session is

An online physiotherapy session is an appointment held over a video call or an app instead of in a clinic. A physiotherapist talks with you, watches how you move on camera, explains exercises and helps you plan how to practise them at home. Some services add exercise videos, reminders and progress tracking between sessions.

It is not magic, and it is not right for every problem. But for many people, guided exercise at home can remove the travel, the waiting room and the scheduling stress that make regular physiotherapy hard to keep up. The first session sets the tone for everything that follows, so a little preparation goes a long way.

Before the session: the basics to sort out

Check your device and your connection

A stable connection matters more than a fancy device. Before the appointment time:

• Charge your phone or tablet, or plug it in.

• Open the app or video link a few minutes early to make sure it loads.

• Test your camera and microphone.

• Move closer to your router, or switch to a connection that has been reliable for you.

• Close other apps that use the camera, the microphone or a lot of data.

If the connection drops during the session, do not panic. Rejoin the call, or ask the team how they handle interruptions. It is a good question to ask at the start.

Pick the right space

You need enough floor space to stand, sit or lie down comfortably and move your arms and legs. A living room, a bedroom or a clear corner of a room can work well. Check that:

• The floor is not slippery. A yoga mat or a non-slip surface helps.

• The room is well lit, so the physiotherapist can see you clearly.

• Pets, children and clutter are out of the way.

• You will not be disturbed for the length of the session.

Place the camera well

The physiotherapist usually wants to see your whole body, or at least the area being assessed. Prop your phone or tablet on a stable surface at about waist or chest height, a metre or two away from you, so that you can stand, sit and lie down in view. If you can, try a short test: step back, do a gentle movement, and check on screen whether your head and feet are both in the frame. If the first view is not right, the physiotherapist will tell you where to move the device.

Wear clothes that let you move

Loose, comfortable clothing is best. If the problem is in a shoulder, knee, hip or back, wear something that lets the physiotherapist see that area, such as a sleeveless top for the shoulder or shorts for the knee. Wear what feels comfortable and private for you. If you are unsure, ask the physiotherapist in advance what would help them see your movement.

Gather the information the physiotherapist will ask for

The physiotherapist will ask questions before suggesting any exercise. Having answers ready saves time and helps the assessment. Write down, in your own words:

• What the problem is. Pain, stiffness, weakness, swelling, a feeling that a joint gives way, or difficulty with a daily task.

• Where it is. Point to the area on your own body, and be ready to show it on camera.

• When it started. A fall, an accident, a sports injury, a surgery, or no clear cause.

• What makes it better or worse. Sitting, walking, climbing stairs, lifting, sleeping in a certain position.

• What you have tried. Rest, medicines your doctor advised, previous physiotherapy, home remedies.

• Your daily routine. Desk work, standing work, caring for family, travel, exercise.

• Your goals. For example, walking without discomfort, lifting a child, returning to a sport, or sitting comfortably through a working day.

If you have medical reports, scans, a doctor's note or a discharge summary from surgery, keep them nearby. You do not need to read them out, but the physiotherapist may ask about something specific. Share only what you are comfortable sharing, and ask how your information will be kept private.

Tell the physiotherapist about your health history

Physiotherapists need to know about conditions and circumstances that can affect safe exercise. Mention anything that applies to you, such as:

• Recent surgery or a recent injury.

• Heart, blood pressure, breathing or circulation concerns.

• Diabetes, osteoporosis or arthritis.

• Pregnancy or recent childbirth.

• Dizziness, fainting or balance problems.

• Medicines you take that your doctor has said might affect exercise.

• Any advice a doctor has already given about what to avoid.

Be honest, even if something feels minor. A good plan is built around the whole you, not just the sore spot.

What usually happens during the session

Every service works a little differently, but a first session often follows a pattern like this.

1. Introductions and questions. The physiotherapist asks about your problem, your history and your goals.

2. Movement assessment. You may be asked to stand up, sit down, bend, reach, walk a few steps or lift an arm, while the physiotherapist watches and asks how it feels.

3. Explanation. The physiotherapist shares what they think is going on, in plain language, and explains what the plan will focus on. Keep in mind that an online assessment has limits. If something needs an in-person examination, they should say so.

4. Exercise plan. You are shown a set of exercises, with how to do each one, how many times, and how often. You may try them during the call so the physiotherapist can correct your technique.

5. Next steps. You agree on when to practise, when to follow up and what signs mean you should stop and get in touch.

Do not worry about performing perfectly. The session is a conversation, and the physiotherapist expects you to ask for repeats, slower demonstrations or a different explanation.

Questions worth asking in your first session

• What do you think is causing my problem, and how sure can you be from an online assessment?

• What are the main goals of my plan?

• How many times a day or week should I do each exercise?

• What should I feel while exercising, and what should make me stop?

• Do I need any equipment, or can I use things I have at home?

• How will you check that I am doing the exercises correctly?

• How and when will we review my progress?

• What should I do if the pain gets worse or something new appears?

• When would you recommend that I see a doctor or have an in-person examination?

Write the answers down, or ask whether the plan will be shared with you in writing or in the app, so you are not relying on memory.

How to handle pain and discomfort during exercises

Some people feel mild muscle effort or stretching during exercises. Pain that is sharp, that grows, or that comes with numbness, tingling, dizziness or other new symptoms is different. If that happens, stop, tell the physiotherapist, and follow their advice. If you ever feel something that worries you seriously, such as chest pain, severe breathlessness or sudden weakness, stop and seek medical help in person right away. Online physiotherapy is not an emergency service.

When in-person care may be the better choice

Online physiotherapy can work well for many people, but it is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis. In-person care may be a better first step if:

• You have had a serious injury, a recent fall or sudden swelling.

• You have severe pain that does not ease.

• You have numbness, weakness or changes in bladder or bowel control.

• Your doctor has advised hands-on treatment or specific equipment.

• The physiotherapist feels they cannot assess you safely over video.

A responsible physiotherapist will tell you openly when online care is not enough. That honesty is a sign of a good service, not a failure of the session.

After the session: make the plan stick

The real work of physiotherapy happens between sessions. A few habits help.

• Do the exercises at a regular time. Tie them to something you already do, such as after your morning tea or before dinner.

• Keep a simple log. Note what you did, how it felt and anything unusual. Short notes are enough.

• Start slowly. It is better to do the exercises correctly at the pace you were given than to rush.

• Ask for help early. If an exercise is unclear or uncomfortable, ask. Do not wait for the next session.

• Be patient. People recover at different speeds, and progress is not always a straight line.

• Review your goals. At follow-ups, compare how you move now with how you moved on day one.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Joining late or unprepared. Log in a few minutes early and keep your notes handy.

• Hiding symptoms. Mention everything that seems related, even small things.

• Staying out of frame. If the physiotherapist cannot see you move, they cannot assess you well.

• Pushing through sharp pain. Stop and report it instead.

• Skipping follow-ups. One session is rarely enough to see how a plan works for you.

• Comparing yourself with others. Your plan is built for your body and your goals.

A simple checklist you can use

1. My device is charged and my camera and microphone work.

2. My space is quiet, well lit and clear of obstacles.

3. The device is set up so my whole body can be seen.

4. I am wearing comfortable clothes that show the area to be assessed.

5. I have written down my symptoms, history and goals.

6. I have my reports or scans nearby, if I have any.

7. I have a list of questions to ask.

8. I have a notebook or my phone ready to note the plan.

9. I know when I should stop and seek in-person help.

How Rehabiphy can help

Rehabiphy offers guided physiotherapy support that you can use from home. If you would like to understand how a session works, what suits your situation and what to expect from a plan, you can visit rehabiphy.com and get in touch with the team. Whatever route you choose, check that the person guiding you is qualified, ask questions freely and listen to your body.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a first online physiotherapy session usually take?

It varies by service. A first session is often longer than later ones because of the assessment. Ask how long to set aside when you book.

Do I need special equipment?

Often not. Many plans use a chair, a towel, a wall or a mat. If your plan needs anything else, the physiotherapist will tell you.

Can I do online physiotherapy after surgery?

Many people continue their recovery with guided exercise at home, but it depends on your surgery and your doctor's advice. Always follow your surgeon's instructions and tell the physiotherapist about your procedure.

What if I do not understand an exercise?

Say so during the session and ask the physiotherapist to show it again, slower or in a different way. You can also ask for a written or video reminder.

Is my personal information safe?

Ask the service how it stores and uses your information, who can see your details and how long they are kept. A good service will answer clearly.

How do I know the plan is working?

Track your pain, movement and daily tasks, and review them at follow-up sessions. Improvement can be gradual, and your physiotherapist can adjust the plan if you are not progressing as hoped.

Can children or older adults use online physiotherapy?

It can be used by people of many ages, often with a family member nearby for support and safety. The physiotherapist will advise what is suitable.

Is online physiotherapy a replacement for seeing a doctor?

No. It does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, see a doctor first.

This article is general information and not medical advice. Results differ from person to person. Please consult a qualified doctor or physiotherapist about your own situation.