What to expect at your physiotherapy consultation
A guide to your first physiotherapy appointment with a physiotherapist in New Zealand.
Before your appointment
Most New Zealand physiotherapist practices send a new-patient form before your first visit. Complete this in advance so the physiotherapist can read it before you arrive — it includes your medical history, current medications, allergies and the specific concern you want assessed.
- • A list of current medications and dosages
- • Any recent imaging (x-ray, MRI, CT) or specialist letters
- • Your ACC claim number if your problem follows an injury
- • Your health-insurance details if you have cover (Southern Cross, nib etc.)
- • Comfortable clothing that lets the physiotherapist assess the affected area
During the consultation
Duration: Initial consultations are typically 45–60 minutes; follow-ups 30 minutes.
Physiotherapy uses physical assessment, manual therapy, graded exercise and patient education to manage musculoskeletal, neurological and respiratory conditions. A typical first appointment includes a history, range-of-motion and strength testing, and an initial treatment plan combining hands-on therapy with home exercises.
Questions worth asking
- • What is your working diagnosis, and what else are you considering?
- • What is the recommended treatment plan and how long should it take?
- • What does the evidence show about success rates for this approach?
- • What is the total expected cost — including imaging, equipment or follow-ups?
- • What should improve, and by when, before we change approach?
- • When should I contact you between visits, and how?
Verifying your physiotherapist
Physiotherapist services in New Zealand are a regulated health profession in New Zealand. Every practising physiotherapist must hold an Annual Practising Certificate from the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand and works under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003. Verify registration on the Physiotherapy Board public register and check the practitioner's scope of practice. Practitioners with extra postgraduate training in sports, manipulative or pelvic-health physiotherapy will say so. You can search the public register at physioboard.org.nz at any time.
Plan your physiotherapy treatment
Related care
Other health services frequently considered alongside physiotherapy:
Physiotherapy: questions
What happens at a physiotherapy consultation?
Physiotherapy uses physical assessment, manual therapy, graded exercise and patient education to manage musculoskeletal, neurological and respiratory conditions. A typical first appointment includes a history, range-of-motion and strength testing, and an initial treatment plan combining hands-on therapy with home exercises.
How long does a physiotherapy consultation take?
Initial consultations are typically 45–60 minutes; follow-ups 30 minutes.
What should I bring to a physiotherapy consultation?
Bring a list of your current medications, any imaging or specialist letters, your ACC claim number if relevant, your private health insurance details, and a list of questions you want to discuss. Wear clothing that allows the practitioner to assess the affected area.
Will I need a referral?
No — physiotherapists are first-contact practitioners in New Zealand. You can book directly without a GP or specialist referral, including for ACC-funded injury treatment.