Physical therapy has so much to offer those who are injured, in pain or need help achieving greater mobility or strength. If you have been referred to physical therapy, you can increase your benefit from this care by knowing what to expect from your first visit.
You might feel a little anxious about your first appointment with a physical therapist. Perhaps you’re not accustomed to someone examining all the ways you move and looking at how you stand and sit. This explanation can help you attend your first physical therapy appointment with confidence.
Your First Step: A Detailed Physical Evaluation
In your first visit, your physical therapist will learn what you need and how they can help you. This visit will be longer than follow-up appointments because of the detailed examination needed to create your personalized treatment plan.
Be prepared to briefly list specific pains, limitations or other issues you need help with. Explain how long the problems have been present, what happened before they started (such as injuries or accidents) and what makes them better or worse. List any limitations they cause in your daily activities. You’ll also need to provide your medical history and any medications you are taking.
Next, the physical therapist will perform a physical assessment. The exact steps of the assessment will depend on the symptoms you have. Your therapist may see how you perform in tests of all these areas and more:
- Strength
- Range of motion
- Flexibility
- Posture
- Balance and stability
- Walking pattern
- Reflexes
- Coordination
The PT can then use their experience to analyze the basic causes of your symptoms.
Your Treatment Plan Can Help You Foresee Your Future Progress
Your therapist will create a plan to help you achieve your desired results. This plan will include:
- Recommended frequency of visits: how often and for how long you should expect to attend therapy
- Goals: the goals the therapist feels you can achieve from therapy
- The specific treatments to be used: possibly manual therapy, exercises, stretches, heat, cold, or electrical stimulation, and education on posture or body movement
You may receive some light exercises or stretching during this first visit, however, many physical therapists will bring you back for a second visit to start treatment.
How You Should Prepare for Your First Visit
Here are the steps to prepare for that first appointment:
- Wear comfortable clothing. Choose clothes that allow easy movement and access to the area being treated. For example, wear shorts if you have knee problems or a tank top for shoulder problems.
- Write out your medical history and medications. This saves time during the visit.
- Arrive early to fill out paperwork. You might also be able to fill them out online.
- Bring your insurance information.
- Write down all of your questions and symptoms.
Enjoy the Excellent Benefits of Physical Therapy!
This is your time to focus on your recovery, strength and mobility, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your therapist is there to help you achieve your recovery goals. The more you can follow their recommendations, the more you can contribute to your own improvements. To find out how physical therapy can help you, contact us at Rebound Physical Therapy today!
Tags: Therapy, physical, appointment
