What should I expect on my first visit?
The physical therapist will evaluate you one-on-one, review your medical history and ask you about your current injury. The therapist will assess your strength, range of motion, and perform some tests that will help determine your physical therapy diagnosis. This information will outline your plan of care and how the therapist will develop your treatment in the following visits. You may start with some basic exercises and stretches, as well as a home exercise program that will help you make gains with therapy. Return to top How much time does an appointment last?
Your first appointment or initial evaluation will last about an hour. Your following visits will take 45 minutes to an hour depending on the extent of your injury. Most doctors will prescribe physical therapy for 2-3 times a week for about 4-6 weeks, but this can vary greatly, depending on the individual and type of injury. Return to top What should I expect during a physical therapy session?
Therapy sessions are a mix of therapeutic exercises and modalities. Therapeutic exercises which include stretching, strengthening, and postural modification are done in combination with modalities. Modalities are treatments such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, joint mobilizations, cold laser therapy, and/or hot and cold packs. When used together they help improve function and reduce pain. Return to top What is the benefit of going to physical therapy?
The purpose of physical therapy is to help the patient return to their previous active life as quickly as possible. Treatments can reduce pain, increase flexibility and range of motion, as well as increase strength. This will help to restore overall function and mobility. Physical therapy is usually prescribed after surgery or an injury/trauma, and can be very helpful with the healing process. Return to top Do I really need to do my home exercise program?
A home exercise program is given by the physical therapist during your first visit. It consists of a few exercises and stretches or self management strategies that will help you get better. Although you will be coming to therapy 2-3 times a week, only so much can be done in that time. A home exercise program will help you to meet your goals more quickly and enhance the effectiveness of your treatment. Avoiding your home exercise will only slow the progress of therapy. Return to top | 
