What to Expect At Your First Physical Therapy Session

Seeing a physical therapist for the first time? Don’t be afraid. Here’s what to expect.

Whether rehabbing from surgery or addressing the pain of a chronic condition like arthritis, your best bet to regain full strength is with a physical therapy program. Once you make the decision to undergo physical therapy, your mind and body will feel much better. The first step to recovery? Knowing what to expect at your first physical therapy session.

According to an Ipsos study, around 31% of Americans regularly consult with a physical therapist. All those patients took the leap to improve their mobility and overall well-being by visiting a physical therapist — you can, too. To help get you started, here’s a basic guide to that first visit.

What to expect at your first session

It’s okay to be a bit apprehensive when visiting a healthcare provider for the first time. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers to give you more clarity.

Will I need a referral? Chances are you won’t, but regulations vary by state. Check with your insurer and the clinic to confirm.

Will I need to fill out paperwork? Yes, you will. You’ll most likely need to bring a form of photo ID, as well as provide insurance information and insight into your health history. It’s also a good idea to bring along a list of any medications you take. To speed up the process, you can go to the clinic’s website and complete the forms beforehand to save time, if they offer this option.

What about payment? The clinic will provide an estimate of your expected cost share, taking into account deductibles and co-pays.

What should I wear? Since the physical therapist will perform a thorough physical exam, you should wear loose-fitting clothing that provides easy access to the part of your body that needs treatment. For example, put on shorts if you’re having knee pain. The clinic may also provide a gown and dressing room if needed.

What will the physical therapist ask me? Be prepared to answer a lot of questions, such as:

• Where are you feeling pain, and how long have you been feeling it?
• How intense is the pain?
• Do you need help recovering from orthopedic surgery?
• How are the pain and stiffness affecting your daily life?
• What are your goals for this physical therapy program? Pain reduction? Better mobility?

These are the likely topics you and the physical therapist will discuss at your initial consultation to help them create a personalized and effective program just for you.

What will the initial exam be like? The physical therapist will assess your range of motion, strength, and balance. These assessments will inform the treatment plan. The exam should not be painful. While certain tests during the physical exam may be slightly uncomfortable at times, assessing these areas will help the physical therapist determine the exact source of your pain and how to fix it.

Will I begin treatment during the first visit? It depends on the nature of your pain or condition. At the very least, the physical therapist will map out a basic therapy program with exercises and treatment modalities he or she will use, such as passive massage, ultrasound, ice therapy, or electrical stimulation.

How many sessions will I have? Again, that depends on your condition. Your insurer may cap the number of visits at a certain number, so be sure to check for these limits. Typically, your physical therapist will let you know how many sessions are needed.

Will I be better when finished with physical therapy? You should be! Physical therapy is an effective pain management tool. It can get you back to full strength and functionality, whether you want to play your favorite sport or type without pain. Most of the time, your physical therapist will give you exercises to do at home to accelerate your rehabilitation. Do them even after the clinic-based sessions end, and you’ll reap the benefits of physical therapy for many years to come.

Need a physical therapist? We’re here for you

At All Sports Physical Therapy, all we do is help patients get better through a customized physical therapy program. Our experienced therapists have spent years treating all types of orthopedic conditions, and they will get you back to feeling like yourself again in no time. Contact us today for a consultation.