Whether you’re recovering from orthopaedic surgery or you’re seeking a conservative option for an ailment you’re experiencing, physical therapy can play a vital role in your rehabilitative journey. But, getting ready for your first visit to physical therapy (PT) may be a little intimidating. Check out the following tips to be prepared for your initial work-up.
How to Plan
Your physical therapist will collect a lot of information from you at your first visit. Prior to this visit, try to recall pertinent details about the nature of the problem you’re going to PT for, including how long it has been going on, how the problem started, any aggravating or relieving factors, and any other treatments you’ve tried previously. Getting to know you and the history of what led you to start PT is one of the main objectives for your first visit. This knowledge will help your physical therapist to create a comprehensive, tailored treatment plan to best strengthen and encourage you.
Your physical therapist will actively listen to your medical history as he or she works with you during the rehabilitative process. He or she may also palpate the area or areas of concern or ask you to perform certain isolated movements to measure your range of motion in the affected areas. You may also be asked to perform certain activities you’d likely do daily, like getting in and out of a chair.
What to Bring
Bring any recent labs or imaging reports with you to your first PT visit. Even if your physical therapist has electronic copies of these diagnostic tools, it may be helpful to have them easily accessible at the time of your appointment. You’ll also want to bring a complete list of any medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter products and nutritional supplements, for your physical therapist to review.
Your first PT appointment will likely involve some form of movement, depending on the location and extent of the condition you’re seeking care for. Before your visit, make sure to ask if you should wear certain clothing or shoes. Usually, comfortable/athletic clothes and shoes are advised. If you wear glasses or a hearing aid, be sure those don’t get left at home.
Questions to Ask
Your PT wants you to feel comfortable with the entire process and will welcome the opportunity to answer any questions. So in-the-moment logistics don’t become distracting, try to make a list of questions to bring to your appointment beforehand. Some examples are:
- How long is each session?
- How many total sessions will I need to properly address this problem? Based on this total, how many times per week will I attend PT?
- Can I reschedule a session if I feel I’m in too much pain from the last one?
- What does my treatment plan look like in between sessions? Do I need to do any exercises or other treatments at home?
- Can I see alternative medicine specialists while I’m in PT, such as chiropractors or acupuncturists?
How to Get the Most Out of the Process
PT is most successful when the patient and physical therapist work together, which includes the patient following the provider’s instructions both in and out of sessions.
You may be prescribed exercises to do at home in between sessions. Pay close attention to make sure you understand the proper form of these exercises, as well as the number of repetitions you’re supposed to perform with the prescribed resistance (e.g., with weights or a certain color of resistance band). The saying “more is always better” does not apply here – doing more than prescribed could do more harm than good on your journey to recovery.
Depending on the injury, your physical therapist may recommend that you avoid certain types of movements or lifting over a certain weight. Ignoring these limits could also slow your overall progress.
The Orthopaedic Center: Surgical and Therapeutic Specialists in Your Neighborhood
Not only does the team at The Orthopaedic Center include world-class surgeons, our physical therapists are highly trained and experienced in providing non-invasive, high quality, rehabilitative care. The PT team at The Orthopaedic Center has over 100 years of combined experience. From exercises and education to applying techniques like iontophoresis, traction, and electrical stimulation, our PT team will create a well-rounded treatment plan to restore you to optimal functioning – whatever that means to you and your health goals. To learn more about PT at The Orthopaedic Center or to book an appointment, click here.