Your First Physical Therapy Session
If you’re going to physical therapy for the first time, it’s important to know what to expect during your appointment. Below, we outline some of the more common, general procedures, but you should never hesitate to contact your physical therapist or physical therapy clinic to ask specific questions about your appointment!
Before you even step in the door, it’s important to dress appropriately for PT. Tight, constraining clothing can impede movement, so our physical therapists ask that patients try to wear loose-fitting clothing and sneakers. This will also enable us to accurately measure strength, range of motion, and movement. Most therapists and clinics also ask that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to fill out any necessary paperwork.
During the first appointment, the physical therapist will conduct a physical exam of your injured/affected area. Be honest and straightforward with the therapist about your pain and how you’re feeling so they can treat you appropriately. Together, you will discuss your expectations and goals for therapy. Working with your goals and your physician’s recommendations, the physical therapist will design a personalized program to help you achieve your desired outcomes. This visit lasts about an hour.
Many times, a PT will start treatment during a first visit — including a home exercise program to perform in addition to your visits. Many PTs give their patients a piece of paper with the exercises written on them as a reminder of what to do and in which order (if any). Be sure to follow the plan exactly — most of the benefit of PT comes from the routines a person does at home.
Also, in some big offices, you may work with different occupational or physical therapists during the course of your treatment. Don’t worry if you see a new face — but make sure each PT working with you knows your condition.
Always remember: if you don’t like your treatment, or something feels wrong, speak up! Depending on your injury, you may feel uncomfortable or not used to moving the area, but you should always tell your therapist if you feel pain. This way your PT can help you stick to your routine and manage discomfort more effectively.