What to Expect at Your First Sports Physio Visit

Walking into a clinic for the first time can feel a little daunting — especially if you’re injured and unsure of what’s ahead. At Up N Adam Performance Training & Physiotherapy in Hamilton North, we want to make your first sports physio visit clear and stress-free.

Here’s what you can expect when you book in with our team.

Step 1 – Getting to Know You

Your physio will start by asking about:

• Your injury or pain (how it started, when it’s worse, what helps)

• Your goals (from walking pain-free to running marathons or playing sport again)

• Your training and lifestyle (to shape a realistic plan)

This is about understanding your story, not just your symptoms.

Step 2 – Physical Assessment

Next, we’ll look at how your body moves and performs. Depending on your injury, this may include:

• Range of motion checks

• Muscle strength testing (with VALD dynamometer or NordBord)

• Balance and movement control

• Running or lifting technique review

We explain each test in plain language so you know what’s happening.

Step 3 – Discussing Findings

We’ll go through:

• What we think is driving your pain or limitation

• Which muscles or movements need work

• Any contributing factors (training load, footwear, recovery)

Importantly, we focus on what you can do, not just what you can’t.

Step 4 – Your Plan

You’ll leave your first session with:

• Clear advice on what to do (and avoid) in the short term

• Targeted exercises to start building strength or mobility

• A progression plan — when to load more, when to return to running, gym, or sport

• Options for ongoing sessions, group rehab, or performance testing if relevant

FAQs

Q: Do I need to bring anything?

Wear comfortable clothing and bring any scans or GP referrals if you have them.

Q: Will I get treatment in the first session?

Yes — we usually combine assessment with exercise or hands-on treatment as needed.

Q: Do I need a GP referral for sports physio?

Not unless you’re claiming through WorkCover, NDIS, or a chronic disease management plan.

Call to Action

If you’re new to sports physio in Newcastle, our team is here to make the process simple, clear, and evidence-focussed.

This is APA Sports Physiotherapist, Darren Glendenning, signing off for now!

You can book an appointment with Darren or Newcastle Knights Physiotherapists Katie or Hayd'n at www.upnadamptphysio.com .

Bookings also available on our website for the following services at Up N Adam Performance Training & Physiotherapy:

• Dietitian - Sweat testing, weight-loss or to optimise your training nutrition / fuelling www.nutrientnation.com.au

• VO2 Max testing with Lucas McBeath - to discover more effective ways to train efficiently www.flowitri.com.au

• Strength & Conditioning Programs with Adam Clarke - contact us or book via the website or email us at upnadamptphysio@gmail.com

• Remedial Massage with Katheryn Rodgers - to relieve accumulative muscle tension & keep you training well.

• CycleFit by Physiotherapist Dean Waterman - At Up N Adam, for all your bike fitting solutions www.cyclefitphysio.com