A first physical therapy appointment is an evaluation. Expect to spend most of it talking and being examined rather than exercising, though most therapists will start you on something before you leave.
What to bring
- Photo identification and your insurance card
- Any referral or prescription, if one was provided
- A list of current medications
- Imaging reports or operative notes, if you have them
- Completed intake paperwork, if it was sent ahead
- The brace, boot, or assistive device you have been using
What to wear
Loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being treated and lets you move. Shorts for knee, hip, or ankle problems. A t-shirt or tank top for shoulder and neck problems. Supportive shoes you can walk and, if relevant, jog in.
The evaluation itself
- 01History — how it started, how it behaves through the day, what you have already tried, and your medical background
- 02Screening — questions and tests that rule out problems needing physician attention
- 03Measurement — range of motion, strength, and any relevant special testing
- 04Movement assessment — walking, squatting, reaching, stairs, or sport-specific tasks
- 05Explanation — what your therapist found and what it means in plain language
- 06Plan — goals, expected visit frequency, and how progress will be tracked
Will it hurt?
Parts of the examination may reproduce your symptoms — that is often necessary information. It should stay within a tolerable range, and you should say so if it does not. Some soreness afterward is common and usually settles within a day.
After the first visit
You should leave with a clear understanding of what is going on, a home program you can actually do, and a scheduled next visit. If any of those three is missing, ask before you go.
This article is general educational information and is not a substitute for an individual evaluation. Before publication under a clinic's name, it should be reviewed and attributed to a licensed physical therapist on staff.