What Happens At Your First Appointment
Your Journey to Moving Better Starts Here.
Visiting a new therapist for the first time can feel a little unfamiliar, especially if you've been living with pain, recovering from an injury or struggling with movement for some time.
At Have a Painfree Body, your first appointment is designed to be relaxed, thorough and focused entirely on you.
I'll take the time to listen, understand your concerns, assess how your body moves and explain what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Where appropriate, your appointment will also include hands-on treatment and practical advice to help you start making progress.
No rushed appointments. No one-size-fits-all treatment. Just personalised care focused on helping you feel and move better.
What to Expect During Your Visit
1. We Start With a Conversation
Your appointment begins with a friendly, detailed discussion about what brings you in.
I'll ask about your symptoms, medical history, previous injuries, lifestyle and the activities that may be affected.
Most importantly, I'll want to understand what you'd like to achieve — whether that's relieving pain, returning to sport, improving mobility or simply feeling more comfortable in everyday life.
This is your opportunity to ask questions and tell me your story.
2. A Thorough Assessment
Next, I'll assess the areas causing concern and look at how your body moves and functions.
Depending on your symptoms, this may include checking your posture, mobility, joint movement, muscle function, balance and movement patterns.
Rather than focusing only on where you feel discomfort, I also consider how other parts of your body may be contributing to the problem.
The aim is to build a clearer picture of what may be affecting your movement and comfort.
3. A Clear Explanation of What We Find
Once we've completed the assessment, I'll explain my findings in straightforward, easy-to-understand language.
We'll discuss what may be contributing to your symptoms, which areas need attention and the treatment options that may be most appropriate.
You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and understand the reasoning behind your treatment.
I believe that understanding your body is an important part of making progress.
4. Treatment During Your First Visit
Where suitable, your first appointment will include treatment based on your assessment findings and individual needs.
This may involve a combination of advanced hands-on techniques, soft-tissue therapy, myofascial release, joint mobilisation or specialist movement-based therapy.
Treatment is always adapted to your comfort, symptoms and goals, and I'll explain what we're doing as we go.
If your symptoms suggest that further medical investigation or a different type of care is needed, we'll discuss the appropriate next steps.
You won't simply receive a standard treatment — your session is tailored to you.
5. Your Personalised Plan and Next Steps
Before you leave, we'll discuss how to support your progress between appointments.
Depending on your needs, this may include simple movement exercises, activity modifications, self-care advice or recommendations for gradually returning to normal activities.
We'll also discuss whether further treatment would be beneficial and what that might involve.
My aim is to give you a clear understanding of your next steps, so you feel confident about moving forward.
Your Appointment, at Your Pace
Your comfort and confidence are important throughout your appointment.
I'll explain the assessment and treatment techniques before carrying them out, and you're always welcome to ask questions or let me know if something feels uncomfortable.
There's no pressure to continue with any technique you're unhappy with.
Whether you're attending with a recent injury or a problem you've experienced for years, you'll receive the same careful, personalised attention.
Practical Information Before Your Visit
How Long Is My First Appointment?
Your first appointment allows time for a consultation, physical assessment, explanation of findings and treatment where appropriate.
Add your confirmed initial appointment duration here, e.g. 60 or 75 minutes.
What Should I Wear?
Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. Sportswear, shorts or leggings are ideal.
Depending on the area being assessed or treated, you may be asked to adjust or remove certain items of clothing, with your consent and privacy respected throughout.
Is Treatment Included in My First Appointment?
Your first appointment is designed to include assessment and appropriate treatment, where clinically suitable and time permits.
If further investigation or medical advice is needed before treatment, I'll explain this and discuss the next steps.
What If I Need to Cancel or Reschedule?
If you need to change your appointment, please contact me as early as possible so the appointment can be offered to someone else.
Insert your confirmed cancellation notice period and any late-cancellation or missed-appointment charges.
How Can I Pay?
Confirm whether you accept debit and credit cards, contactless payments, cash or advance online payments before publishing this answer.
Where Can I Park?
Parking at Maidstone Innovation Centre
Please check the details provided with your appointment confirmation before travelling.
Add confirmed parking instructions for each clinic, including any charges or registration requirements.
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