The health care professional will ask you some questions as part of the initial assessment. This may include some or all of the following:
- What is your biggest problem – e.g. pain, lack of strength, loss of movement?
- Why do you think you have got the pain e.g. did you have an accident or has it occurred for no apparent reason?
- How long have you had this problem?
- Where do you feel the pain?
- What makes it worse?
- Does anything make it feel better?
- Does it disturb your sleep?
- Have you had similar problems before? If so, what treatment, if any, have you received?
- Have you had any investigations e.g. X-rays or scans?
- Are there any other conditions you see another health professional about e.g. diabetes, heart problems, asthma?
- What tablets/medicines are you taking?
- Are you working and what impact does it have on your work?
- What are your hobbies and how does the pain affect these?
- What do you hope to get out your appointment?
We may have to discuss other areas of the body to identify the source of the pain. Pain can come from one area of the body and be felt in another e.g. leg pain can be a result of a problem in the low back.
When the assessment is completed, we will explain the findings. Following a discussion, your personal supported self-management plan and options for the future will be agreed. To get the best results, it is important you follow the plan as agreed.
Occasionally we may have to refer you on to a colleague, organise further investigations or specialist management.
Occasionally students may care for patients under supervision of a qualified health care professional, in which case you will be asked for your consent. Please tell us if you’d prefer for a student to not be present.
