If you have just booked your first physiotherapy appointment at Denovo Physio & Rehab in Preston — or you are thinking about it — you might be wondering what actually happens during the session. Will it hurt? What treatments will you receive? Will you walk out feeling better?
This guide answers the most common questions from new patients, so you arrive feeling informed and confident about what to expect, including the full range of advanced treatments available to you at Denovo.
Before Your Appointment
Booking
You can book online, by calling 01772 288065, or by sending a WhatsApp message.
Reception will confirm your appointment within 24 hours and send you a digital intake form to complete before you arrive.
What to Bring
- Your completed intake form
- Any relevant medical letters, scan reports or referral information
- A list of any medications you take regularly
- Your insurance details if you are claiming through Vitality, AXA Health, WPA or Aviva
What to Wear
Comfortable clothing you can move in.
If your issue is in the lower limb, shorts are ideal.
For shoulder, neck or upper back problems, a vest top or sports top makes assessment much easier.
The Initial Assessment (45–60 Minutes)
Your first appointment is longer than follow-ups because it is the foundation of your entire treatment plan.
1. The Subjective Assessment
Your physiotherapist will take a detailed history of your problem: when it started, what makes it worse, how it affects your sleep, work and hobbies, your medical history and your goals.
Around 80% of a musculoskeletal diagnosis comes from the patient interview alone.
2. The Physical Examination
- Observation of posture, swelling or muscle wasting
- Active and passive range of movement testing
- Muscle strength testing
- Special orthopaedic tests specific to your condition
- Neurological testing if appropriate
- Functional movement assessment
3. Explanation and Diagnosis
Your physiotherapist will explain — in plain English — exactly what is going on and how it will respond to treatment.
We use anatomical models and diagrams. An informed patient is a patient who recovers faster.
Treatment in Your First Session — Our Full Service Menu
Where appropriate, we begin treatment in the very first session.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques including joint mobilisation, myofascial release, trigger point release, Muscle Energy Techniques and soft tissue work.
This is the core of every session and starts in your first appointment where appropriate.
Shockwave Therapy
Our NICE-endorsed Radial Shockwave Therapy is ideal for chronic tendon problems — tennis elbow, Achilles, plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder with calcific deposits, and rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Advanced Electrotherapy
Including TENS, Interferential Current (IFC), therapeutic ultrasound, VMS waveforms, Russian Currents, laser therapy and Muscle Intelligence™ biofeedback.
Nerve Rehabilitation
A specialist programme for sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy, combining manual therapy, electrotherapy and progressive movement reconditioning.
1-to-1 Active Rehabilitation
Personalised exercise programmes delivered in our fully equipped clinical gym, with your physiotherapist guiding you through every progression — not a generic handout.
Your Plan Before You Leave
- Your diagnosis explained clearly
- How many sessions you are likely to need
- Which treatments will form your programme
- Your home exercise programme (sent digitally via Physitrack)
- Your next appointment booked in
How Much Does Physiotherapy Cost in Preston?
Our initial assessment is £50. Follow-up sessions are priced clearly so you know exactly what to expect.
Shockwave therapy is included as part of your treatment plan where indicated.
We accept self-pay, private health insurance and referrals from GPs, consultants and PhysioLink.
We are recognised by Vitality, AXA Health, WPA and Aviva.
Do I Need a GP Referral?
No. Physiotherapists are autonomous practitioners. You can book directly without a GP referral.
However, if you are claiming through private health insurance, your insurer may require a referral — check with them before booking.
Ready to Book?
Book your first physiotherapy appointment at Denovo Physio & Rehab, Preston.
We are here to help you move better, feel better and live better.
