What to Expect

Initial Evaluation

During your first appointment, your therapist will build a more complete understanding of your problem. He or she will gather extensive information about the history and nature of your symptoms and perform tests and measurements to establish your current ability levels.

Your therapist will explain how the findings of the examination relate to specific anatomical or physiological problems. Then he or she will outline the best course of care to make you feel better and optimize your functional abilities.
You’ll partner with your therapist to determine meaningful and specific goals that will be used to track your progress from visit to visit. You may be provided with a home exercise program to get you started on your road to recovery.

Home Exercise Programs

Positive physical therapy results depend largely on your adherence to the home exercise regime established by your therapist. You’ll receive handouts that outline the frequency and duration of the exercises. Before you try them at home, your therapist will make sure you can perform them correctly and safely. Patients who follow their home exercise program report faster progress toward their goals and tend to need fewer therapy appointments.

What to Wear

Access to the symptomatic body part is important during both the evaluation and follow-up treatment sessions. For shoulder and elbow problems, please wear a loose-fitting T-shirt or tank top. Shorts are preferred for knee problems. An elastic waistband is helpful for low-back conditions. If you have neck problems and long hair, please bring something to pull it back.

You’re welcome to bring a change of clothes to your appointment. Private treatment rooms are available for extra privacy. You may be asked to wear a hospital gown if your therapist can’t access the relevant body part.

What to Bring

Please bring the following items to your first appointment:

• Insurance card
• Prescription from your doctor—if your doctor faxed it to our office, please call ahead of your initial appointment to make sure we have it on file
• List of any medications you are currently taking
• Completed registration forms

Communication With Your Doctor

After the initial evaluation, your therapist will send your plan of care to the referring doctor. Additional progress notes may be sent in correlation with your follow-up physician appointments or when deemed appropriate by your therapist. If there’s a specific issue you’d like your therapist to communicate to your physician, please discuss it during any therapy appointment.