Your First Physical Therapy Session Part 2: During Your Session

Physical therapy is a form of treatment that aims to improve your function, mobility, and quality of life through exercises, manual therapy, education, and modalities. It can help you recover from injuries, surgeries, chronic conditions, and more.

During your appointment:

Meet Your Physical Therapist

Your physical therapist will greet you and introduce themselves. They will then review your information and ask you some questions about your condition, such as when and how it started, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your daily activities. They will also ask you about your expectations and goals for physical therapy, such as what you want to achieve or return to.

Evaluation

Your physical therapist will perform a physical examination to assess your posture, range of motion, strength, balance, coordination, and functional abilities. They may also use some special tests or measures to diagnose your condition or rule out other causes. They will explain what they are doing and why and ask for your feedback and consent throughout the process.

Receive Treatment

Based on your evaluation and goals, your physical therapist will provide you with some treatment options and recommendations. They will explain the benefits, risks, and alternatives of each option and answer any questions you may have. They will also respect your preferences and choices and work with you to find the best solution for you. Your treatment may include some or all of the following components:

• Exercises:
  Your physical therapist will teach you some exercises designed to improve your mobility, strength, endurance, flexibility, and stability. They will demonstrate how to perform each exercise correctly and supervise you as you practice. They will also provide you with feedback and corrections and adjust the intensity, duration, and frequency of the exercises as needed.
• Manual Therapy:
  Your physical therapist may use their hands to manipulate, mobilize, or massage your joints, muscles, or soft tissues. This can help reduce pain, inflammation, stiffness, and spasms, and improve blood flow, healing, and movement. They will explain what they are doing and why and ask for your feedback and consent throughout the process.
• Education:
  Your physical therapist will educate you about your condition, the causes, the prognosis, and the prevention strategies. They will also provide you with some tips and advice on how to manage your symptoms, improve your function, and avoid further injury. They will also answer any questions you may have and address any concerns or fears you may have.
• Modalities:
  Your physical therapist may use some devices or equipment to enhance your treatment, such as heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, traction, or laser. These can help reduce pain, inflammation, swelling, and spasm and stimulate healing and relaxation. They will explain what they are doing and why and ask for your feedback and consent throughout the process.

We hope this series helps you prepare for your first physical therapy session. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us—we’re always happy to help.

Check out the rest of the series:

Before Your Session
After Your Session