Pre and Post Treatment Instructions
Get the Most Out of Your Appointment
A little preparation, and the right care afterward, can help you get the most out of your treatment.
Below you'll find general pre- and post-treatment recommendations for Physiotherapy, Sports Medicine, Chiropractic Care, and Massage Therapy at Wintergreen Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine.
These are general guidelines only. Your practitioner may provide additional instructions based on your treatment, health history and individual needs. Please ensure you follow the specific recommendations provided by your healthcare professional.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Wear comfortable clothing - Choose loose or athletic clothing that allows you to move comfortably. Shorts or a tank top may be helpful depending on the area being treated.
Bring relevant medical information - If applicable, bring information about recent imaging, surgeries, injuries, medications or recommendations from another healthcare provider.
Think about your symptoms and goals - Consider when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and which activities you're having difficulty with.
Stay normally hydrated and nourished - Eat and drink as you normally would before your appointment.
Arrive ready to move - Your assessment may involve walking, bending, stretching, strength testing or other movements.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Follow your home exercise recommendations - If your physiotherapist provides exercises or stretches, follow the frequency and technique recommended.
Pay attention to how your body responds - Some temporary muscle fatigue or mild soreness can occur after exercise or hands-on treatment, particularly when beginning a new program.
Stay active within your recommended limits - Your physiotherapist will let you know whether there are activities you should temporarily modify or avoid.
Ask before returning to strenuous activity - If you're recovering from an injury or surgery, follow your physiotherapist's recommendations.
Keep us updated - At your next appointment, let your physiotherapist know how you felt following treatment and how your exercises are going.
SPORTS MEDICINE
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Bring relevant medical information - If you have previous imaging reports, test results, specialist reports or other information related to your injury or condition, have them available if possible.
Know your medication and health history - Be prepared to discuss current medications, allergies, previous injuries, surgeries and relevant medical conditions.
Wear clothing that allows for assessment - Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing can make it easier for the physician to examine the affected area and assess your movement.
Think about when your symptoms occur - Consider when the problem started, whether there was a specific injury, what movements make it worse and how it affects your everyday activities.
Follow any procedure-specific instructions you've received - If your appointment includes an injection or another procedure, you may receive specific instructions from the clinic beforehand. These should take priority over general recommendations.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Follow your physician's recommendations - Your sports medicine physician may provide specific guidance regarding activity, medication, rehabilitation or follow-up care.
Follow activity restrictions carefully - If you're advised to temporarily avoid certain movements, exercise or sports, follow the timeframe provided by your physician.
Continue recommended rehabilitation - Sports medicine treatment often works alongside physiotherapy and other forms of rehabilitation. Follow the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare team.
Follow procedure-specific aftercare instructions - If you receive an injection or another procedure, your physician will provide instructions specific to that treatment, including when you can return to certain activities.
Contact a healthcare provider if you're concerned - Your practitioner will explain what to expect following your treatment and when additional medical attention may be appropriate.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Wear comfortable clothing - Choose clothing that allows you to move freely and makes it easy for your chiropractor to assess the areas causing concern.
Bring relevant health information - Let your chiropractor know about previous injuries, surgeries, medical conditions, medications and any imaging or reports relevant to your concern.
Describe your symptoms clearly - Think about where you're experiencing discomfort, when it began and which movements or activities affect it.
Let your chiropractor know about any changes in your health - Mention new injuries, symptoms, diagnoses, medications or changes in your health since your previous appointment.
Eat and hydrate normally - Unless your healthcare provider has advised otherwise, you can generally eat and drink as usual before chiropractic treatment.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Follow your chiropractor's recommendations - You may be given exercises, stretches, postural recommendations or activity modifications to support your treatment.
Keep moving as recommended - Gentle movement may be encouraged after treatment. Your chiropractor will let you know if there are any activities you should modify temporarily.
Be aware of temporary soreness - Some people may experience mild, temporary soreness following manual treatment, particularly after an initial appointment or when treating an irritated area.
Stay hydrated - Continue your normal hydration throughout the day.
Let your chiropractor know how you responded - If you experience unexpected, persistent or worsening symptoms following treatment, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPY
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Stay hydrated - Maintain your normal hydration throughout the day before your appointment.
Avoid a large meal immediately beforehand - You don't need to arrive on an empty stomach, but a heavy meal right before lying on a massage table may be uncomfortable.
Wear comfortable clothing - Wear whatever you feel comfortable arriving in. Your Registered Massage Therapist will explain how to prepare for your treatment based on the areas being addressed.
Share relevant health information - Let your massage therapist know about injuries, medical conditions, medications, recent surgeries or areas of pain and sensitivity.
Communicate your goals - Whether you're seeking help with muscle tension, discomfort, recovery or relaxation, tell your therapist what you're hoping to get out of your appointment.
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Stay hydrated as you normally would - Continue drinking fluids according to your usual needs.
Give yourself time to transition back into your day - You may feel relaxed following treatment, so take a few moments before rushing into your next activity.
Follow your therapist's recommendations - Your Registered Massage Therapist may suggest stretches, movement or other strategies based on what was addressed.
Listen to your body - Some temporary tenderness or soreness can occur following massage, particularly after deeper or more targeted treatment.
Plan exercise based on your treatment - Whether strenuous exercise is appropriate after your massage can depend on the type of treatment you received.
Let us know about any concerns - If you experience symptoms that are unexpected, severe or don't settle as anticipated, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
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