A Guide to Your First Physical Therapy Session

Sep 22, 2023

You may be feeling nervous or anxious to arrive at your physical therapy evaluation. This guide is meant to prepare you for your session with us and ease your nerves. We look forward to meeting you and are ready to greet you with a warm smile!

 

  • WHEN TO ARRIVE
      • Please arrive at your appointment 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This gives you plenty of time to fill out the necessary paperwork and helps the session flow as smoothly as possible. 
  • WHAT TO BRING
      • Driver’s license or other form of photo identification 
      • Referral from your doctor (the one who referred you to us)
          • If you do not have a referral, you can still be seen by PT using the self pay option (insurance will not cover PT without a physician referral).
      • Insurance card
          • If you do not have insurance, we have a self pay option. 
      • Past medical history
      • Medication list
      • A smile!
  • WHAT TO WEAR
      • Please wear comfortable clothing. Work out attire is recommended.
          • If you are coming for your lower extremity (hips, knees, ankles), wear loose fitting shorts. 
          • If you are coming for your upper extremity (shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands), wear a tank top or loose fitting short sleeve top. 
          • Wear comfortable sneakers that are easy to slide on and off. 
  • WHAT TO EXPECT
      • Your first physical therapy appointment is an evaluation with a licensed physical therapist. 
      • Your therapist will ask a series of questions regarding your condition and medical history. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire regarding your condition.
      • Your therapist will conduct a series of tests on your affected body part or condition. You will be asked to perform certain movements (i.e. lift your arm, bend forwards, straighten your knee, etc.). Your therapist will passively move your affected body part and perform strength testing in addition to other specialized tests depending on your condition. 
      • Based on the therapist’s findings and discretion, you will likely begin with exercises, massage, or modalities (i.e. heat, ice, electrical stimulation, etc.). 
      • A home exercise program will be developed and your plan of care will be discussed with you.
  • WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
    • Your plan of care is developed, which includes how often you will attend therapy sessions, how many weeks of therapy you will need, and any additional referrals or recommendations as determined by the therapist. 
    • Follow up appointments will be made with the receptionist based on the therapist’s plan of care.