If you've never had a physiotherapist come to your home, you probably have questions.What do they actually do? What should I wear? Do I need to clear space? What if my house is messy?
Here's exactly what happens, from booking to the end of your first session.
Before the Visit
Booking
When you call to book, we'll ask a few questions to match you with the right physiotherapist:
- What's the reason for physio? (post-surgery, pain, balance, general mobility)
- Any specific medical conditions we should know about?
- Where are you located? (to assign a therapist in your area)
- Preferred day and time?
First appointments are typically available within 2-5 business days.
How to Prepare
You don't need to do much. Here's the short list:
- Wear comfortable clothing— shorts and a t-shirt are ideal. The physio needs to see and access the area being treated.
- Have your medical information handy— medications list, surgical reports, imaging results if you have them. Not essential but helpful.
- Clear a small space— enough room to lie down on a mat and stand with arms extended. Your living room or bedroom usually works perfectly.
- Don't worry about your house— we've seen it all. A lived-in home is expected. We're there for you, not to judge your decor.
The First Visit (60-75 Minutes)
The first session is longer than follow-ups because it includes a thorough assessment. Here's how it typically flows:
Part 1: Getting to Know You (10-15 minutes)
Your physiotherapist will sit down with you and ask about:
- Your main concern — what brought you to physio
- Your medical history — surgeries, conditions, medications
- Your daily routine — what activities matter to you, what you're struggling with
- Your goals — what does success look like for you?
This conversation is essential. Two patients with the same diagnosis can have completely different goals — one wants to walk to the mailbox safely, another wants to return to golf. The program should reflect your life, not a textbook.
Part 2: Physical Assessment (15-20 minutes)
The hands-on assessment. Your physio will evaluate:
- Range of motion— how far your joints move
- Strength— key muscle groups tested with manual resistance
- Balance— standing tests, walking assessment, reaction time
- Gait (walking) pattern— watching you walk your normal route through the house
- Functional tasks— getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, reaching overhead
- Pain— where it is, what triggers it, how it limits you
This isn't a gym test — it's gentle, paced to your comfort, and you're in control. If something hurts, say so and your physio will adjust.
Part 3: Home Environment Scan (5-10 minutes)
This is unique to in-home physio and one of its biggest advantages. Your physiotherapist will look at:
- The stairs you actually climb
- The chair you sit in most often (is it the right height?)
- The bathroom setup (grab bars, shower access)
- The floor surfaces (rugs, transitions between rooms)
- The lighting in hallways and stairs
They may point out a few quick changes — removing a loose rug, adjusting where you keep your phone, suggesting a different chair. These observations alone can significantly reduce fall risk.
Part 4: Treatment and Exercise (20-25 minutes)
Most first visits include some treatment and your first set of exercises:
- Hands-on treatment— manual therapy, gentle mobilization, soft tissue work as needed
- Initial exercises— 3-5 exercises tailored to your assessment findings and your home setup
- Exercise instruction— your physio will demonstrate each exercise, watch you do it, and correct your form
- Written or printed exercise sheet— so you remember what to do between visits
Part 5: Plan and Next Steps (5 minutes)
Before leaving, your physiotherapist will explain:
- What they found in the assessment
- Their recommended treatment plan (frequency, duration, goals)
- What you should do between visits
- When your next appointment will be
Follow-Up Visits (45-60 minutes)
Follow-up sessions are shorter and more focused:
- Quick check-in on how you've been since last visit
- Hands-on treatment
- Exercise progression — adding difficulty, new exercises, or adjusting based on your response
- Functional practice — working on specific tasks (stairs, transfers, balance challenges)
Common Questions
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. In Ontario, you can see a physiotherapist without a referral. However, if you're claiming through certain insurance plans or WSIB, a referral may be required — check with your provider.
What equipment does the physio bring?
Everything needed for your session: treatment mat, resistance bands, balance tools, assessment instruments, and any other specialized equipment. You don't need to buy anything.
Can a family member be present?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it — especially if a family member is helping with daily care. Your physio can teach them safe transfer techniques, exercise spotting, and how to support your recovery between visits.
What if I need to cancel?
We ask for 24 hours' notice for cancellations. Life happens — we're flexible when it does.
Ready to Book?
At Haven at Home, our first visit includes everything described above — a full assessment, home environment scan, initial treatment, and a personalized exercise program. We serve Toronto, Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, and Oakville.
Book your first in-home visit:Call416-795-0373or use the booking form on our website.