What To Expect in Your First Physical Therapy Evaluation

Setting up your first physical therapy appointment is a large step. These services can improve your physical performance following an injury and set you up for continual success throughout life. Still, getting this process started can be overwhelming if you don’t know what it’ll entail. That’s why we’ve compiled this short list of what to expect in your first physical therapy evaluation. Read on for helpful tips and advice for making the most of this time with a professional.

Initial Paperwork

One of the first things to expect when you walk in the door is the initial paperwork. Like any other health facility, your physical therapy center needs all your current and past medical information to proceed with treatment. As such, you’ll spend at least 15 to 20 minutes of your first appointment filling out paperwork and ensuring the professionals have everything they need to move forward. These documents also include insurance records and how you’ll pay for your treatment. So you want to make sure you document everything to the best of your ability.

Injury Assessment

If you’re starting your treatment to recover from a recent injury, the next thing to expect in your first physical therapy evaluation is a preliminary injury assessment. During this time, your therapist gets to know your condition by asking you questions or telling you to perform basic exercises. They’ll make notes of your pain level, when your problem started, and whether it’s persisted. So you must be honest for them to get an accurate picture of your condition. After all, what you say now could affect the course of treatment set up for you.

Baseline Screenings

But not everyone begins physical therapy treatments because of pain from an injury. In fact, plenty of individuals want to experience ongoing improvement in their physical performance. In these cases, therapists perform baseline screenings that record an individual’s current physical limitations. From there, they can track your progress as you practice your exercises. Therapydia uses a revolutionary baseline screening software that allows you to constantly reference your progress over time. This way, you don’t have to book an appointment just to see how far you’ve come.

Treatment Plan Setup

Then, once they’ve gathered the necessary data, your physical therapist will determine the best course of action for your current capabilities. The regimen they create will include a series of exercises and detail how often to practice them. What they develop for you will largely depend on your personal goals and comfort level. Some common plans include stretching, strength building, and postural correction.

If you’re looking for a physical therapist dedicated to your life-long physical health and well-being, Therapydia has the professionals you need. Our physical therapy center in Burlingame has an experienced and caring staff who will work with you to create a custom treatment plan. Whether it’s your first appointment or one of many, we deliver consistent care and knowledge that can get you on track to accomplishing your goals.