Initial Assessment & Diagnosis in Manchester
Your first appointment at Full Motion Physio. A structured assessment that uncovers what is actually driving your symptoms, and sets out a clear, evidence-based plan for what comes next.
What is a physiotherapy assessment?
A physiotherapy assessment is the first appointment you have with a physiotherapist. It is a structured conversation and physical examination used to work out exactly what is causing your pain or movement problem, and what is most likely to fix it. It is diagnosis before treatment, not guesswork wrapped in a hands-on session.
At Full Motion Physio in Manchester, the assessment is unhurried by design. The first appointment is 45 minutes, giving us time to take a proper history, examine you thoroughly, explain what is going on, and start treatment. None of those steps gets rushed.
Who the assessment is for
New problems
Anyone with a new injury, pain, or movement problem they want diagnosed and addressed properly.
Recurring issues
Patients returning to physiotherapy after a break, or with a problem that keeps coming back.
Athletes
Those wanting a baseline assessment ahead of pre-season or after an injury.
Post-operative
Patients beginning structured rehabilitation following surgery.
What the examination covers
Movement and posture observation.
Active and passive range of motion testing.
Muscle strength and length testing.
Joint and ligament special tests.
Functional movement screening (squats, single-leg control, gait).
Neurological screening where indicated.
What happens during the appointment
Subjective history
Detailed questions about your symptoms, when they started, what aggravates and eases them, your medical history, previous injuries, and how the problem is affecting your daily life, work, and sport. The aim is to understand your story, not just your symptoms.
Objective examination
A targeted physical assessment of movement, range of motion, strength, joint integrity, functional control, and, where indicated, the nervous system.
Diagnosis and explanation
A clear, plain-English explanation of what is going on and a realistic prognosis. Patients who understand their condition experience less pain and engage better with rehabilitation, which is why this step gets the time it needs.
Treatment plan
A personalised plan covering hands-on treatment, exercise rehabilitation, expected timelines, and what you can do between sessions. Concrete next steps, not vague advice.
First treatment
Where appropriate, the first round of hands-on treatment and exercise prescription is delivered in the same session, so you start recovering immediately, not at appointment two.
What to bring
- Comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being treated.
- Any imaging reports (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound) if you have them.
- A GP referral letter if applicable, though one is not required.
No referral needed
You can book a physiotherapy assessment directly, with no GP referral required. If imaging or a specialist opinion turns out to be needed, you will be told clearly and pointed in the right direction, and a medical referral letter can be provided on request.
Assessment FAQs
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Start With a Clear Diagnosis
Book your initial assessment with an HCPC registered physiotherapist in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
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