Scheduling physical therapy for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming. You may be concerned that the treatment will be uncomfortable or even painful. But having a clear idea of what to expect at physical therapy in Edgewater, NJ, can help you prepare for the appointment and calm any anxieties. At Exchange Physical Therapy Group, our expert team ensures a personalized and supportive experience to help you feel confident in your recovery journey.
What Happens at an Initial Physical Therapy Appointment?
Your first PT appointment will provide an excellent opportunity to ease into this form of treatment, ask any questions you may have, and learn what to expect over the course of treatment. Therapists care about your comfort and well-being and will do everything they can to help you feel at peace while you are under their care.
You can typically expect the following at an initial physical therapy appointment.
A Therapist Performs an Initial Evaluation
When you arrive at the PT office, you may need to fill out paperwork related to your health history and medical condition. Bring a list of medications and a record of any recent procedures you have undergone. It may help to jot down some notes about your symptoms prior to the appointment so you have them ready when you meet with the therapist.
A licensed physical therapist will bring you into a private room to conduct the initial evaluation. They will start by asking you about your condition and symptoms and then perform a full-body evaluation. This may include a range of motion (ROM) assessment and palpations of the treatment area.
Finding the limits of your injury may feel uncomfortable, but the PT will go slowly and walk you through the whole process.
The Team Creates a Comprehensive Treatment Plan
After assessing your condition, the therapist will ask you about your goals. Healing looks different for everyone; for example, if you are an athlete, you may have stricter goals than someone who only uses that part of the body for regular daily activities.
With your objectives in mind, the PT team will create a custom treatment plan. It may include a range of therapeutic modalities, such as:
- Joint mobilization
- Therapeutic massage
- Hot and cold therapy
- Dry needling
This plan will also include the frequency and expected duration of your appointments. When considering what to expect at physical therapy, understand that this isn’t always a fast process. Still, you will experience faster healing than you would without the therapeutic services.
Your therapist will explain the physical therapy benefits you can expect to gain and how your condition should begin to improve over time.
You Receive a Home Exercise Program
Consistency is one of the main tenets of this treatment. Your therapist may recommend that you come to the clinic several times a week for appointments. You will also receive a home exercise program to complete between those visits.
This program consists of activities you can complete with minimal equipment at home. Do your best to stay on top of this treatment plan. Committing to the program can streamline your recovery and prevent progress from deteriorating between appointments.
Your therapist will take the time to demonstrate each activity in your home exercise program to ensure you feel completely comfortable with them. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Completing any exercises incorrectly could hurt your condition.
Schedule Your Initial PT Appointment With Our Team Today
Now that you know what to expect at physical therapy, you can feel confident heading into your first appointment. Whether you’re scheduling physical therapy after surgery or attempting to avoid surgical procedures altogether, this treatment offers holistic healing with your long-term well-being in mind.
At Exchange Physical Therapy Group, we take great care to help patients feel relaxed at their first appointments and every visit thereafter. If you’re looking for a PT practice in Edgewater, NJ, contact our team today at (201) 721-6130 or fill out our contact form to book an appointment.
