What to expect at your first appointment…

(updated 2nd October 2023)

Deciding to seek help for any injury or condition is the first step towards a positive recovery, good on you! We offer both in clinic and online via Telehealth appointments.

Shortly after you make an appointment you will receive a Welcome Email and a text with a link to a consent form - please take the time to complete these forms.

The clinic is located at 86 East Street, Ashburton, on the Timaru end of East Street close to the new shopping complex (Kmart!) There is no parking directly outside, but there is plenty of street parking just down from the clinic along East Street, Dobson Street and Kermode Street.

Enter through the red doors and grab a seat in the waiting area at the end of the hallway. The main doors will be locked to maintain patient’s privacy so ring the doorbell and grab a seat. If we are busy with patients, we won't come to the door immediately but sit tight, we know you have arrived!

You can complete an ACC form at the clinic.

During your initial appointment, we will take a detailed history and complete an examination before proving you with lots of education on your symptoms/conditions; we strongly believe you should understand what is going on with your own body and will provide you with the tools and education to help you achieve your treatment outcomes. Knowledge is power after all! During this consultation we can decide on goals and a treatment plan too. This is where the Physio magic takes place!

You are more than welcome to bring a support person with you and you are very welcome to bring your baby or children with you. We do have some toys to help keep them entertained during your appointment. If you need to bring your older children, there are some older toys…and Netflix/You Tube too!

For Pelvic Health appointments only…

Depending on your condition, a pelvic floor examination/vaginal/rectal assessment may be indicated. This will only happen with your informed consent. Lesley will talk you though why she think an internal exam will help her assessment, and what is involved. She can also assess the abdominal wall and some aspects of the pelvic floor via Real Time Ultrasound if you decline an internal exam.

Lesley is a big advocate for educating patients and empowering them with knowledge of what is going on with their body. If you would like to do some homework before your appointment, please check out the videos below that will teach you all about your pelvic anatomy - the muscles and the organs - and how your core and breathing work with the pelvic floor.