Prepare for physiotherapy

THE STRONG TABLE / FREE RESOURCE COLLECTION / SEPTEMBER 2026 1 THE STRONG TABLE / RECOVERY / 37 Prepare for physiotherapy Organize symptoms, function and questions for a clinical assessment. 01 / Understand the starting point Write where symptoms occur, when they began and whether an injury preceded them. Describe pain, altered sensation and weakness separately; a body map alone cannot identify the cause. 02 / Make the useful distinction Record which activities provoke or ease symptoms without repeatedly testing them. Include walking, grip, sleep and other daily functions that have changed. 03 / Put it into practice List relevant health conditions, medicines and prior assessments for the clinician. Avoid publishing these details in a public community conversation. 04 / Review and adapt Ask about diagnosis, allowed movement, exercise dose, review triggers and return-to-training criteria. New severe neurological warning signs require urgent care rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Original education and planning material. Sources support the general context; sample schedules and worksheets are editorial applications, not tested individual prescriptions.

THE STRONG TABLE / FREE RESOURCE COLLECTION / SEPTEMBER 2026 2 THE STRONG TABLE / RECOVERY / 37 Put the guide to work. A worked example, then your own next step. A practical example Bring a brief timeline, symptom area, activities affected and questions. Ask how to recognize an unacceptable response to a prescribed exercise and when to seek reassessment. Your decisions What task or goal do I want to improve? What is my starting point and what remains uncertain? Which detail changes my next useful action? What would make the action easier to repeat? When will I review it, and what would require earlier help? Use the platform Training: compare programs and technique guides. Daily: generate a session or arrange a week. Planner: calculate targets and select meals. Progress: record completed work. Learn: return to clinical reading when symptoms need professional assessment.

THE STRONG TABLE / FREE RESOURCE COLLECTION / SEPTEMBER 2026 3 THE STRONG TABLE / RECOVERY / 37 Your working record. Printable worksheet; use the companion CSV for an editable version. Onset and location Triggers / easing factors Sensation / weakness Daily function changes Questions / agreed plan Evidence and original clinical reading https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sciatica/ This original workbook is free to keep and use. The source provides background reading; examples are practical frameworks to adapt. Individual medical and nutrition needs require suitable professional advice.