How to prepare for a home physiotherapy session
A short checklist to get the most out of your first visit — what to wear, what space to clear, and what questions to ask.
Home physiotherapy only works if the space, the clothing, and the information flowing between you and your physio are set up for it. Five minutes of preparation doubles the value of your first session.
The space
Clear a 2×2 metre area — roughly the size of a yoga mat with room to step around it. Hard floors are ideal; if you only have carpet, place a firm mat or a folded blanket down. Make sure there's a chair nearby and a wall segment they can use for balance exercises.
What to wear
Loose, stretchy clothing — shorts or leggings and a t-shirt work best. Avoid jeans and anything restrictive. If the session is for a shoulder or upper-body issue, a vest or tank top makes assessment easier.
Have these ready
- Any imaging reports (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound) related to the area being treated.
- A list of medications you're currently on.
- A brief note of when the pain started, what triggers it, and what relieves it.
- A water bottle — hydration matters during active movement assessment.
Questions worth asking
- What's the suspected root cause of my pain?
- How many sessions do you typically expect this to take?
- Which of these exercises should I do daily at home?
- What movements should I avoid while this heals?
- When should I come back if things don't improve?
Red flags to mention up front
Tell your physio immediately if you have numbness, tingling, weakness that's getting worse, unexplained weight loss, night pain, or fever alongside your musculoskeletal pain. These can indicate conditions that need different care.