Physical therapists aid in the maintenance, improvement, or restoration of mobility.
They don’t do it alone, though; they collaborate with you to assist you to achieve your objectives.
Prepare for your first session with a physical therapist by following these guidelines, and discovering how to get the most out of physical therapy.
Prior to Your Visit
Make a note of all the questions you have for your physical therapist. Some of these questions will also help you to look for at home physical therapy treatment.
Make a list of any symptoms you’ve been experiencing and how long you’ve had them. If you have multiple symptom areas, start with the one that bothers you the most. Describe your pain or symptoms as follows:
- Specific actions, activities, or positions, such as sitting or standing, are better or worse.
- At various times of the day, it is more obvious.
- Rest or a certain task or activity might help or hurt you.
Even if it appears unrelated, jot down important details regarding your medical history. Consider the following scenario:
List all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are now using or have recently taken. Remember to list any vitamins or supplements you’re taking.
Make a list of any personal information that is relevant. Include anything you think might be connected to your illness, such as:
- Recent traumatic events
- Injuries.
- Accidents or mishaps.
- Your surroundings, whether at home or at work.
- Make a list of your parents’ or siblings’ medical conditions.
Make arrangements for a family member or a trusted friend to accompany you to your appointment. They can assist you in recalling specifics from your medical history and take notes to help you remember what was said during your visit.
Take your glasses or hearing aid with you if you wear them. If you have trouble seeing or hearing, tell your physical therapist and clinic personnel.
Bring any lab, imaging, or reports from other healthcare professionals that are relevant to your medical history or present condition with you.
Bring a list of your doctors and other medical professionals with you. Your physical therapist can talk to you about their results and your progress. Physical therapists collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide you with the best care possible.
When making your appointment, inquire about whether or not you should wear or bring specific clothing for your initial visit. Avoid wearing non-stretchable garments. During your initial session, your physical therapist may ask you to participate in therapeutic activities.
Monetary considerations
- Examine the clinic’s financial policy thoroughly. Request a copy if you do not receive it at your initial appointment. Before beginning therapy, if anything is unclear, ask questions or request that someone clarify the policy to you.
- You will be asked to sign a financial agreement at the physical therapy center. If something is unclear, read it carefully and ask questions.
- Before or after each visit, the clinic staff will require payment of any deductibles or copayments. Paying these charges at the time of service will help you better manage your healthcare expenses and avoid a hefty bill when treatment is completed.
- If you need to change the frequency of your physical therapy sessions for budgetary reasons, talk to your physical therapist about it. They can look into your alternatives and come up with a plan to assist you to get the care you require.
- Be sure to notify your physical therapist and the clinic’s front desk staff if your insurance coverage changes or disappears.
What to Expect When You Visit For The First Time
Your physical therapist will begin by asking you a series of health-related questions. These will include specific inquiries regarding your disease as well as any symptoms that brought you to see them in the first place. Your physical therapist will use the information you provide to determine if you may benefit from physical treatment. It will also assist them in selecting the treatments that are most likely to benefit them.
Your physical therapist will also inquire about your living or working environment, your health habits and activity level, as well as your leisure and sporting hobbies. Their goal is to assist you in being as active and independent as possible so that you can resume your favorite hobbies.
Your physical therapist will conduct a thorough examination. Your physical therapist may assess the following, depending on your symptoms and condition:
- Strength.
- Flexibility.
- Balance.
- Coordination.
- Posture.
- Blood pressure is a measurement of how high your blood pressure is
- Rates of heart and respiration
Your physical therapist may inspect or feel on or around the area of concern with their hands. They’ll also look at how well your joints, muscles, and other tissues move and function.
Your physical therapist may also do the following tests:
- How you walk is important (your gait).
- How do you get out of a chair or get up from a reclining position? (functional activities).
- When it comes to actions like bending and lifting, how you use your body can make a big difference (body mechanics).
Your physical therapist will collaborate with you to set your physical treatment objectives. Then they’ll come up with a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and objectives. The physical therapist will most likely diagnose your issue and begin therapy straight immediately.
Treatment aims to help you improve or preserve your capacity to perform daily chores and activities. To help you achieve this goal, your physical therapist may address discomfort, weakness, and limited motion. They’ll monitor your progress with each therapy and make adjustments as needed. Physical therapy might also help you heal more quickly.
The importance of education in your physical therapy treatment cannot be overstated. Your physical therapist may instruct you on how to perform specific exercises at home. They may also show you various approaches to complete tasks at work and at home. The goal is to reduce or eliminate the problem that is thought to be causing your pain, strain, or injury, as well as to teach you how to stay healthy.
Your physical therapist will determine whether you require special equipment. They may recommend specific footwear, splints, or crutches, for example. They may also recommend that you employ special gadgets to make your home safer for you, especially if they discover that you are at a higher risk of falling. Based on your scenario, they will assess what equipment you require. They may give it to you or direct you to where you can get it. Your physical therapist can show you how to use any particular equipment you may require.
At your request, your physical therapist will share critical information with your doctor and other health care specialists.
Throughout your treatment plan, your physical therapist will monitor your progress. When you are ready, they will work with you to organize your discharge from physical therapy. Make sure to discuss what to do if you have any questions after discharge or if your symptoms or condition worsens with your physical therapist.
Working with a physical therapist assistant on exercises prescribed by your physical therapist may be part of your physical therapy visit. Physical therapists and physical therapy assistants collaborate with other health care providers to ensure that you receive the care you require.