Your first physical therapy appointment is an important step toward recovery. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help you get the most out of your visit. Here’s everything you need to know.
What to Bring
Required Documents
- Photo ID: Driver’s license or other government-issued ID
- Insurance card: We’ll verify your coverage and explain any costs
- Referral: If your insurance requires one from your doctor
- Medical records: Any relevant imaging (X-rays, MRIs), surgical reports, or doctor’s notes
Helpful Information
- List of medications: Include dosages and frequency
- Medical history: Previous surgeries, injuries, and ongoing conditions
- Questions: Write down anything you want to ask
What to Wear
Dress for movement. Depending on what we’re treating, you should wear:
- For back or neck issues: Loose-fitting shirt and comfortable pants
- For lower body problems: Shorts or athletic pants that allow access to your knee, hip, or ankle
- For shoulder or arm issues: Tank top or loose sleeveless shirt
Avoid jeans, restrictive clothing, or anything you can’t move freely in. Athletic wear is ideal.
What Happens During Your First Visit
1. Paperwork and History (10-15 minutes)
You’ll complete intake forms about your:
- Current condition and symptoms
- Medical history
- Goals for physical therapy
- Pain levels and functional limitations
2. One-on-One Evaluation (30-45 minutes)
Your physical therapist will:
Talk with you about:
- How your injury or condition started
- What makes it better or worse
- How it affects your daily life
- Your goals and expectations
Perform a physical examination:
- Observe your posture and movement
- Test your range of motion
- Assess your strength
- Check your balance if relevant
- Identify areas of pain or tenderness
3. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Based on the evaluation, your therapist will:
- Explain what’s causing your symptoms
- Outline a treatment plan
- Discuss how many visits you might need
- Set measurable goals
- Answer your questions
4. Initial Treatment (if time allows)
Many first visits include some hands-on treatment:
- Manual therapy techniques
- Therapeutic exercises
- Education on your condition
- Home exercise instructions
Questions to Ask Your Physical Therapist
Don’t be shy about asking questions. Here are some good ones:
- What exactly is causing my pain/problem?
- How long will recovery take?
- How often should I come for treatment?
- What can I do at home to help?
- Are there activities I should avoid?
- What should I do if my symptoms get worse?
- When will I start to see improvement?
Tips for a Successful First Visit
Be Honest
Tell your therapist exactly how you’re feeling, even if it seems minor. Details matter for accurate diagnosis.
Describe Your Pain Accurately
Be prepared to describe:
- Where it hurts (be specific)
- What type of pain (sharp, dull, burning, aching)
- When it started
- What makes it better or worse
- How severe it is on a scale of 0-10
Share Your Goals
What do you want to get back to doing? Playing with your kids? Running a 5K? Simply walking without pain? Your goals help shape your treatment plan.
Take Notes
You’ll receive a lot of information. Write down key points, especially your home exercises and any precautions.
Ask for Clarification
If you don’t understand something, ask. It’s important that you fully understand your condition and treatment plan.
After Your First Visit
Follow Through on Home Exercises
Your home exercise program is a crucial part of treatment. Do the exercises as prescribed—they’re chosen specifically for your condition.
Track Your Progress
Note any changes in your symptoms, both positive and negative. This information helps your therapist adjust your treatment.
Communicate
If something changes or you have concerns between visits, don’t hesitate to reach out.
What If I’m Nervous?
It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first appointment. Remember:
- Your therapist is there to help you, not judge you
- There’s no such thing as a silly question
- You’re in control—speak up if something is uncomfortable
- Most patients feel much better just knowing what’s wrong
We’re Here to Help
Your first physical therapy visit is the beginning of your recovery journey. Our team is committed to making you feel comfortable, answering your questions, and creating a plan that works for you.
Ready to schedule? Contact us today to book your initial evaluation.