What to Expect at Your Consultation

Helping you understand your appointment from start to finish

If you're considering seeing a pain specialist, it's natural to wonder what will happen during your appointment.

My aim is to understand why you are experiencing pain, how it affects your life, and what treatment is most likely to help you. Every consultation is tailored to you, with plenty of time to discuss your symptoms, ask questions and agree on the next steps together.

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Before Your Appointment

To help you get the most from your consultation, it is useful to bring:

A list of your current medications
Details of any allergies
Information about previous treatments or injections
Copies of recent MRI, CT or X-ray reports if available (if these have not already been sent)
A list of any questions you would like to ask

If you have completed any questionnaires before your appointment, these will also help us understand how pain is affecting your daily life.

During Your Consultation

Your appointment usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes.

During this time we will discuss:

Where your pain is located
When it started
How it affects your work, hobbies and daily activities
Previous investigations and treatments
Your medical history
Your goals for treatment

Pain affects everyone differently, so understanding what matters most to you is an important part of developing the right treatment plan.

Physical Examination

Where appropriate, I will perform a physical examination.

This may include assessing:

Movement of the affected joints or spine
Muscle strength
Sensation
Reflexes
Walking and balance
Areas of tenderness

The examination helps confirm the likely source of your pain and identify whether further investigations or treatment are required.

Reviewing Your Scans

If you have had MRI scans, X-rays, CT scans or ultrasound imaging, these will be reviewed alongside your symptoms and examination findings.

Scans are only one part of the assessment. Many people have changes on imaging that are not responsible for their pain, while others experience significant symptoms despite relatively minor scan findings.

Treatment decisions are based on the whole clinical picture rather than imaging alone.

Discussing Your Treatment Options

At the end of your consultation we will discuss the treatment options most appropriate for you.

These may include:

Education and self-management
Physiotherapy or rehabilitation
Medication advice
Image-guided injections
Radiofrequency ablation
Further investigations if needed
Referral to another specialist where appropriate

Not every patient needs an injection or procedure. My role is to recommend the option that is most likely to improve your symptoms based on the available evidence and your individual circumstances.

Will I Have Treatment on the Same Day?

Most patients attend for an assessment first.

If an injection or procedure is recommended, this is usually arranged for a separate appointment. This allows time to discuss the benefits, risks and alternatives, answer any questions, and ensure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.

In some circumstances, same-day treatment may be possible, but this cannot be guaranteed and depends on the type of procedure, available facilities and your individual situation.

After Your Consultation

Following your appointment you will receive a written clinic letter summarising:

The likely diagnosis
The agreed treatment plan
Any recommended investigations
Information for your GP or referring clinician (with your consent)

If a procedure is planned, you will also receive information about preparing for treatment and what to expect afterwards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral?

You can be referred by your GP, physiotherapist, consultant or another healthcare professional. Self-referrals are also welcome.

Should I bring someone with me?

Yes.

You are welcome to bring a family member or friend if you would find this helpful.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy examination of the area causing your pain. If your pain affects your shoulder, hip or knee, loose-fitting clothing can be particularly helpful.

Will I need a scan?

Not always.

Many patients already have appropriate imaging, while others can be assessed without further scans. Additional imaging is only recommended when it is likely to influence diagnosis or treatment.

Can I ask questions?

Absolutely.

Your consultation is an opportunity to understand your condition and discuss the available treatment options. I encourage patients to ask as many questions as they need to feel confident about their care.

What if I decide not to have an injection?

That is entirely your choice. Any procedure is optional, and we will discuss alternative approaches where appropriate. The aim is to help you make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances and preferences.

My Approach to Care

I believe that the best outcomes come from making an accurate diagnosis before recommending treatment. Rather than focusing solely on reducing pain, my aim is to help you improve your function, regain confidence in movement and return to the activities that matter most to you.

Every treatment recommendation is tailored to your individual needs, with decisions made together after discussing the potential benefits, risks and alternatives.

Ready to take the next step?

If persistent pain is affecting your quality of life, I'd be pleased to help you understand the cause of your symptoms and explore the treatment options that may be right for you.