Preparing for your First Physical Therapy Visit
What you can expect on Visit #1
WELCOME! We are so glad you chose us as your Physical Therapy provider and we look forward to partnering with you in your recovery process! We have put together a few thoughts to help you make the most out of your first session.
01
fill out all the forms completely!
We admit, there are a lot of forms and a lot of questions. The medical history forms are particularly detailed, but this is so we can get the best overall picture of your situation. Please have these filled out completely BEFORE you come to your session.
02
Don’t Forget to Include the “i’m-not-sure-that’s-important” details
Because we are taking a holistic approach, many of the little things are not so little. Accidents, surgeries, and conditions that are years in the past, or do not seem important are noteworthy to the therapist. Also, please make sure you include a list of medications and supplements you take!
03
return your “new client” forms before your appointment date
When possible, return the paperwork a week early to allow the therapist to review your case, and prepare for your evaluation- allowing you to get the most value out of your first visit. You can email them or drop them off at the office.
04
Arrive 15 minutes early
Please arrive before your appointment time, even if you have all your paperwork done. This will allow our fabulous front office staff to get any other information they need.
05
Bring other relevant information
Your first visit is a great opportunity for us to learn as much about your situation as possible. It would be helpful if you could bring:
- Any imaging (x-rays report, MRI reports, etc) or physician reports that may be relevant to your condition.
- Any braces, slings, shoe inserts, etc. that you are currently using (or have been issued) for this condition, so that the therapist can assess and discuss these as needed.
- Thoughts on what you want to accomplish during your course of therapy so we can design goals that work for you.
06
wear clothing that can expose the area being addressed.
We are going to take a really good look! So, if you have a knee problem, wear shorts; for a shoulder problem, wear a sports bra. There is a bathroom available for you to change into before your session begins.
07
wear clothing that can expose the area being addressed.
We are going to take a really good look! So, if you have a knee problem, wear shorts; for a shoulder problem, wear a sports bra. There is a bathroom available for you to change into before your session begins.
08
Don’t be nervous!
It is natural to be a little apprehensive, but we want you to feel welcome and as comfortable as possible. Our goal is for you to understand and learn to self-manage your condition, so we encourage you to ask questions!
“I want you to look back on your physical therapy experience and say, ‘Wow! I never knew that physical therapy could make such a difference!”
— Justin McKinney, McKinney Physical Therapy
Here’s what you can expect
During this first session, your physical therapist will spend time learning about the history of your condition, your previous level of function, and how your it’s affecting your life. You will be asked many questions based on your answers from your intake forms, and the condition for which you are needing physical therapy.
Your physical therapist will also conduct a hands-on physical examination looking at range of motion, flexibility, strength, and balance. They will look at your posture and how your body performs during certain movements. There may also be specific tests performed to gather further information about your body and your impairments. All of this information will provide a baseline from which to measure your future progress.
Once the examination is completed, your PT will discuss the findings and together you will develop a treatment plan. Treatment may begin during this first visit, and may include: manual therapy, education on modifying activities, postural correction, targeted exercises.
From this point forward, you and your therapist are a team working toward the goal of help you to feel and move better. Your participation is vital to your progress, so questions are encouraged. Physical Therapy can have huge benefits to your health, well-being, and overall function when you take an active role in your recovery- you will get out of your PT what you put into it.
Again, we are thrilled for this opportunity to work with you in your recovery, and we look forward to meeting you soon!
