What to Expect
What is Physical Therapy?
Doctors of Physical Therapy are highly educated, licensed healthcare providers who evaluate and treat conditions that limit your ability to move and function. They are movement experts who help you maintain, improve, and restore mobility through hands-on care, education, and guided exercise.
Physical therapy treatment can help you:
- Reduce and manage pain.
- Avoid the long-term use of prescription opioids and their side effects.
- Prevent or postpone the need for surgery for many conditions.
- Restore function.
You can schedule an evaluation with a physical therapist without a doctor’s referral.
Before Your Visit
To get the most out of your first appointment:
- Write down your symptoms and how long you’ve had them
- Note what makes your symptoms better or worse
- List medications, vitamins, and supplements you take
- Bring any imaging, reports, or medical records
- Prepare questions for your physical therapist
- Consider bringing a family member or friend for support
- Wear comfortable, flexible clothing for movement
- Bring glasses, hearing aids, or assistive devices as needed
You should also be prepared to share:
- Relevant medical history
- Recent injuries, accidents, or stressful events
- Work, home, and activity-related factors
Financial Considerations
- Review the clinic’s financial policy and ask questions if needed
- Insurance benefits will be verified prior to your evaluation
- Claims are submitted based on your insurance policy
- You will be informed of your financial responsibility at your first visit
- Co-pays, co-insurance, and estimated deductible are due at check-in
- Immediately notify the clinic of any insurance changes
Your First Visit
At your first appointment, your physical therapist will:
- Ask detailed questions about your condition and symptoms
- Discuss your lifestyle, work, and activity goals
- Perform a comprehensive physical evaluation
- Assess strength, flexibility, balance, posture, and movement
- Evaluate how you walk, move, and perform daily activities
They may also use hands-on techniques to assess joints, muscles, and tissues.
Together, you will:
- Set goals for your recovery
- Develop a personalized treatment plan
- Begin treatment during your first visit when appropriate
Treatment Plan
Your care plan is designed specifically for you and may include:
- Hands-on therapy and guided exercises
- Education on movement, posture, and daily activities
- A customized home exercise program
- Recommendations for equipment such as braces or supports
- Communication with your physician or healthcare team
Your therapist will:
- Monitor your progress regularly
- Adjust your treatment as needed
- Prepare you for discharge when goals are met
You may also work with a physical therapist assistant as part of your care team.
Getting the Most Out of Physical Therapy
You will get out of your physical therapy sessions what you put into them. It will take a certain amount of effort on your part, as agreed between you and your physical therapist, to get the most benefit from each session.
Here are four tips to help you get the most out of physical therapy:
- Keep your appointments
- Follow your physical therapist’s instructions
- Do your home exercise program
- Continue your after-care plan