Before Your VisitMake a list of any questions you have and want to ask your physical therapist. Show Write down any symptoms you've been having and for how long. If you have more than one area of symptoms, begin with the one that bothers you the most. Describe whether your pain or symptoms are:
Write down key information about your medical history, even if it seems unrelated. For example:
Ask a family member or trusted friend to go with you to your appointment. They can help you remember details from your health history and take notes to help you remember what was discussed during your visit. If you wear glasses or use a hearing aid, take them with you. Tell your physical therapist and clinic staff if you have a hard time seeing or hearing. Take any lab, imaging, or reports from other health care providers with you that are related to your medical history or current condition. Bring a list of your doctors and other health care providers. Your physical therapist can discuss their findings and your progress with them. Physical therapists partner with other health care providers to ensure you get the best possible care. When you make your appointment, ask whether you should wear or bring a certain type of clothing for your first visit. Don’t wear clothing that doesn’t stretch. Your physical therapist may have you take part in treatment activities during your first session. Financial Considerations
What To Expect During Your First VisitYour physical therapist will begin by asking you lots of questions about your health. These will include specific questions about your condition and any symptoms that led you to see them. The details you give will help your physical therapist assess whether you are likely to benefit from physical therapy. It also will help them choose the treatments that are most likely to help you. Your physical therapist also will ask you specific questions about your home or work setting, your health habits and activity level, and your leisure and sports interests. Their goal is to help you become as active and independent as possible and return to the activities you enjoy. Your physical therapist will perform a detailed exam. Depending on your symptoms and condition, your physical therapist may evaluate your:
Your physical therapist may use their hands to examine or feel on or around the area of concern. They also will assess the motion and function of your joints, muscles, and other tissues. Your physical therapist also may check:
Your physical therapist will work with you to determine your goals for physical therapy. Then, they will create a treatment plan for your specific condition and goals. In many cases, the physical therapist will diagnose your condition and begin treatment right away. A main goal of treatment is to improve or maintain your ability to do daily tasks and activities. Your physical therapist may address pain, swelling, weakness, and limited motion to help you reach this goal. They will check your response to each treatment and make changes as often as needed. Physical therapy treatment also may speed your recovery. Education is an important aspect of your physical therapy treatment. Your physical therapist may teach you special exercises to do at home. They also may show you different ways to do your work and home activities. The goal is to lessen or get rid of the problem believed to be the reason for your pain, strain, or injury and show you ways to stay healthy. Your physical therapist will assess your need for special equipment. For example, they may suggest special footwear, splints, or crutches. They also may advise that you use special devices to help make your home a safer place for you, especially if they find that you are at an increased risk of falling. They will determine what equipment you need based on your situation. They may either provide it for you or tell you where you can find it. If you do need special equipment, your physical therapist can show you how to use it properly. Your physical therapist will share important information with your doctor and other health care providers at your request. Your physical therapist will recheck your progress often throughout your plan of care. They will work with you to plan for your discharge from physical therapy when you are ready. Make sure to talk with your physical therapist about what to do if you have questions after discharge or if your symptoms or condition worsens. Your physical therapy visit may include working with a physical therapist assistant on exercises prescribed by your physical therapist. Physical therapists and PTAs work together and with other health care providers to make sure you get the care you need. Get the Most Out of Physical TherapyYou 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: 1. Keep Your Appointments
2. Follow Your Physical Therapist's InstructionsIt is essential to follow your physical therapist's guidance. They may recommend that you:
Ignoring these precautions may lead to injury or delay your recovery. If your physical therapist provides special devices (splints, walkers, canes, or braces) for home use, follow the exact usage instructions they give you. Be sure to ask questions if you are unclear. Incorrect use may be harmful. Your physical therapist also may recommend making changes in your home for your safety, such as:
3. Do Your Home Exercise ProgramDoing your home program as often as prescribed by your physical therapist is essential to your recovery. If the instructions are unclear, ask your physical therapist to explain them to you. Only do exercises that your physical therapist prescribed. Follow their instructions for:
More is not always better and may cause injury! 4. Continue Your After-Care PlanAfter you have finished formal physical therapy, you'll want to keep the gains you made. Make sure to continue your home exercise plan. Follow all instructions given to you by your physical therapist after you are discharged. Changes in Your Physical Therapy SettingYour health care team may suggest that you transfer from one setting to another to continue recovery. The setting you go to will depend on your condition, initial recovery, and the level of care you need. For example, if you received care in the hospital, you may go directly to an inpatient rehab facility or home health care setting. Or you may be discharged to an outpatient clinic. Physical therapy can occur in a variety of settings. These include:
It is important to reduce disruptions to your treatment during any change in setting. Most hospitals and rehab facilities have case managers to help ensure a smooth transition. Before you return home, ask your physical therapist if you will need any special equipment or family support. Your physical therapist also may determine that you might benefit from seeing another specialist or health care provider. They may recommend doing so in addition to having physical therapy or before starting physical therapy treatment. Some physical therapists also provide annual visits to promote health and wellness. They may ask you to return for a follow-up or yearly visit. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To locate a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT. Find a PT Near You! Learn More
Is physical therapy painful at first?Discomfort and soreness are part of the healing process
Discomfort and soreness are to be expected, because physical therapy, in order to work, must train your body. This is the same principle that applies when building strength through exercising or working out.
How do I prepare for physical therapy?Before Your Visit. Make a list of any questions you have and want to ask your physical therapist.. Write down any symptoms you've been having and for how long. ... . Write down key information about your medical history, even if it seems unrelated. ... . Ask a family member or trusted friend to go with you to your appointment.. How many days should you do physical therapy?How long does physical therapy treatment take? A typical order for physical therapy will ask for 2-3 visits per week for 4-6 weeks. Sometimes the order will specify something different. What generally happens is for the first 2-3 weeks, we recommend 3x per week.
Why do physical therapists reduce pain first?Five Reasons to Choose Physical Therapy Early for Pain. Get better safely and without fear of causing further injury.. Stay physically active and avoid the cost and potential risks of surgery and prescription opioids.. Recover as soon as possible.. Avoid other problems caused by changes your body makes to avoid pain.. |