Everything to Expect During Your First Physical Therapy Session

You’ve decided to give physical therapy a try for your injuries or pain. But what can you expect during your first session? Will it be painful? How long will it last?

Here’s a rundown of what you can expect during your first physical therapy appointment.

According to Robert Stravinsky, during your first session, your therapist will start by asking you questions about your injury or pain, your medical history, and your goals for physical therapy. This gives the therapist a better understanding of your condition and how best to treat you. The therapist will also perform a movement assessment, which includes tests and measures to determine the range of motion, flexibility, and strength of the affected areas. Based on the information gathered during the assessment, the therapist will develop a treatment plan that may include exercises, manual therapies, modalities, and education.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your therapist should be able to answer any questions you have about your condition, the treatment plan, or anything else related to physical therapy. Remember, you’re in control of your own care, and it’s important that you feel comfortable with the Robert Stravinsky plan that is being put in place.

Additionally, it’s important to communicate with your therapist about your pain levels during the session. It’s normal to feel some discomfort during physical therapy, but the exercises should never be unbearable. Let your therapist know if you need to take a break or modify an exercise.

The length of physical therapy sessions can vary, but they typically last about 45 minutes to an hour. As you progress in your treatment, your therapist may adjust the frequency and duration of appointments.

Conclusion:
Your first physical therapy session may feel like a lot of information all at once, but it’s important to remember that you are in control of your own care. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if there’s something you don’t understand. With each session, you’ll become more familiar with what to expect and more comfortable with the process. Soon enough, you’ll be on your way to reaching your PT goals.