If you’ve taken a step toward improved function and have scheduled an appointment with a physical therapist, you may now be wondering what to expect going into your first appointment.

First, you should know your physical therapist is a trained expert in how the human body moves and works. Through a detailed hour-long examination, your physical therapist will be able to determine the cause of your symptoms and identify beneficial treatments.

You’ll want to arrive 15 minutes early to fill out a bit of intake paperwork, or you can get a jumpstart on your paperwork and bring the completed forms with you.

Now, here’s what you can look forward to at your first visit:

1. Obtaining Your History

Your therapist will begin by asking you several questions to get a better idea of what you are experiencing. After a thorough review of your medical history, they will then ask more specific questions about the condition for which you are seeking treatment.

To make the most of this time, be prepared to answer questions about:

  • Any medications, surgeries and other medical conditions.
  • How your current symptoms began.
  • The location, nature, frequency, and intensity of your symptoms.
  • Activities, positions or movements that make your symptoms better or worse.
  • Your goals and what you would like to achieve through physical therapy.

2. Performing an Evaluation

Once your physical therapist has acquired the pertinent information, they will begin a detailed evaluation. The condition for which you are seeking treatment will guide what your physical therapist examines.

They will likely make observations about posture, alignment and how you move. Your physical therapist may measure or test your balance, strength, flexibility, range of motion, sensation, and coordination.

Your physical therapist will use their hands to assess the integrity of your muscles and joints. To make the most of this time, be prepared to:

  • Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
  • Perform functional movements that may be difficult for you.
  • Communicate with your physical therapist if anything aggravates or eases your symptoms.

3. Creating an Assessment

When your physical therapist has a full picture of the cause or causes of your chief complaint, they will discuss the findings with you. They will review with you any imbalances that are contributing to your symptoms and will recommend the treatment or treatments that will benefit you most.

Be prepared to ask for clarification if something doesn’t make sense, let your therapist know if they left out something that is important to you, and follow up with any next steps or questions you may have about moving forward.

4. Reviewing Your Plan

Now that you have a better understanding of the causes of your symptoms and treatments that will help them, you and your physical therapist will determine a plan of action.

Considering the recommendations together, you will agree on the number of follow-up visits that work best for your budget, schedule and treatment plan. Your therapist may give you a few exercises to begin at home to focus on any imbalances they found during the examination.

To make the most of this time, be prepared to:

  • Understand your role in recovery and your ultimate functional goals.
  • Perform a few exercises or movements.
  • Bring your calendar to know when you will be able to return.

Congratulations on making it here! You and your therapist are now a team dedicated to getting you better as quickly as possible. Following a history, evaluation, assessment and plan review, you two can now work together to get back to living life your way.

If you have any follow-up questions that we did not cover in this article, please leave any questions in the comment section or contact a therapist at SetPT to learn more about getting started.