Physical therapy can be exactly what you need in order to make the fullest recovery after injury or surgery and to help you regain your independence, but we know that heading to your PT for the first time can be a bit intimidating because you don’t know what to expect. We want to help put your mind at ease and get you excited for physical therapy, and we think one of the best ways to do that is to help you understand what you should know prior to your first session. In today’s blog, we share everything you should know before you stop in for your first physical therapy session.
What To Know About Your First PT Appointment
If you want to get your physical therapy off to a great start, there are some things you’ll want to know about the treatment technique so that you can hit the ground running. Here’s a look at some things you’ll want to consider and prepare for prior to your first physical therapy appointment.
- You’ll Want To Come Early – It’s a good idea to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your first appointment with a PT. You’ll have forms you’ll need to fill out and insurance information to provide, and that will take some time. To ensure you aren’t the reason everything ends up running late, get to the clinic with some time to spare.
- Set Some Goals – You’ll work with your physical therapist to establish some goals during your session. These will include both short- and long-term goals. While you may not know exactly what to expect from physical therapy, you should be able to start thinking about some of your goals. What do you want to be physically capable of doing when therapy is all said and done? Start thinking about some goals prior to this first session.
- Evaluate Your Symptoms In The Days Before PT – Before you head into the clinic, document some of your symptoms so that you have more information to share with your physical therapist. Does pain get worse with activity, are symptoms more noticeable in the morning, and what types of symptoms are you dealing with? Write these down and you’ll have a handy reference chart for your physical therapist to work with.
- Wear Comfortable Workout Clothing – When choosing what to wear to physical therapy, consider something that is comfortable and will be easy to move in. Your PT is going to have you perform some movements and conduct a baseline assessment at this first meeting, so be prepared to move a bit! Wearing comfortable clothes that can handle some athletic activity is a great choice.
- Come Ready To Work – We’re not going to push you to your physical limits, but come with the mindset that you’ll get out of physical therapy what you put in. Come ready to put in some work, because that’s the best way to experience great results. It won’t always be easy, and that’s a good thing, because the harder you work, the more progress you’ll see.
- Come With Questions – Finally, if you have any questions about your condition, treatments or what else you can do to aid in your recovery, bring these questions with you and ask them at your first session. We’re more than happy to provide you with answers to any questions you might have. Now is the time to get more information about your health and your treatment, so come ready with any questions you have!
If you can do all of the above, you’ll be more than ready for your first meeting with a physical therapist. To set up your first appointment with a physical therapist who wants to ensure you get the care you need, reach out to the team at OrthoRehab Specialists today at (612) 339-2041.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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