There are many reasons why you may need to go to physical therapy. If you want to learn what to expect at physical therapy, you should click here.
Has your primary care physician suggested that you set up an appointment with a physical therapist? Are you unsure about what to expect?
Whether you’re suffering from a sports-related injury or having trouble bouncing back after a car accident, a physical therapist can be an invaluable resource. But, what should you expect from your physical therapist?
Check out this guide to learn what to expect at physical therapy.
- The Q & A
Typically, your first physical therapy session will be about 45 minutes to 1 hour in length. During your first appointment, your therapist will take the time to evaluate you in order to put together a personalized treatment plan.
In order to evaluate your condition properly, they’ll need to ask you some questions. You’ll provide your physical therapist with information concerning:
- When your symptoms started
- What things decrease or increase your symptoms
- Information about other treatments you’ve sought (ie, massages, chiropractic care, etc.)
- Info about any scans or imaging you’ve had done
The therapist will also likely ask you what your goals are for physical therapy. By knowing your goals, you and your physical therapist will be able to be on the same page at this appointment and beyond.
- Physical Exam
After the question and answer portion, you’ll undergo a physical exam. During this time, the PT will:
- Take basic measurements of you
- Have you go through certain movements
- Palpate areas of your body to determine where there’s tenderness and swelling
- Perform standard or specialized tests to formulate a baseline assessment
While performing the physical exam, the therapist will ask you for feedback regarding your symptoms.
- Putting Together a Treatment Plan
Once the physical exam is complete, it’s time for the therapist to put together a treatment plan.
Typically, your therapist will put together a home exercise program that’s tailored to your specific needs. The program may include strengthening, stretching, and postural correction exercises. He or she may also perform manual therapy on you during your first appointment.
- Education
To wrap up your appointment, will provide you with information about:
- Your diagnosis
- What you can do to manage your symptoms
- What you should expect during the course of physical therapy
At the end of the session with https://www.metrohealthnyc.com, you’ll have time to ask more questions regarding your treatment plan. Additionally, your therapist will likely have you schedule another appointment a few weeks later to check on your progress.
Preparing for the Appointment
To ensure that your first appointment goes smoothly, there are a few things you should do to prepare. This includes:
- Gathering information about your medical and surgical history
- Arriving at the appointment 10 to 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing to the appointment to make stretching and moving around easier
It can also be a good idea to create a list of daily activities that aggravate you so you don’t forget to tell your PT.
What to Expect at Physical Therapy: Are You Ready for Your Appointment?
Now that you know what to expect at physical therapy, it’s time to schedule your appointment. Before you know it, your body will be getting back to normal.
If you liked this post, be sure to check back in with our blog for more physical therapy information and news.
