The Top 5 Questions Patients Have Prior to Their First Visit for Physical Therapy
Your doctor could suggest physical therapy (PT) following surgery or an accident to help your body restore its strength and natural function. You might have some questions if this is your first experience with PT. Here is a list of some of the most often asked questions by patients when they first contact us.
How should I dress and what should I bring to my first appointment?
Remember to bring your ID, insurance cards and information, a list of the drugs you take now, and your script, if your doctor hasn’t faxed it already, to your initial appointment at one of our rehabilitation clinics. Please arrive at least fifteen minutes ahead of time for your appointment. To avoid filling out patient paperwork in the office, you have the option to view, print, and complete them at home.
It is also not required, but you are welcome to bring any recent reports you may have received from your doctor regarding specifics of a procedure, an MRI, or X-ray results. You should also bring any aids you are presently utilizing, such as crutches, a sling, splint, or other device, to your consultation.
It’s important that you feel comfortable when choosing what to wear. You should dress as though you’re heading to the gym because your session can involve stretches and light activity. Among the suggested outfits are:
- Wear loose T-shirts or tank tops to show off your shoulders.
- Jogging pants or loose fitting pants with the ability to draw up over the knee.
- If you wear work clothing, be aware that we might have you lying down, which could cause your clothes to wrinkle. Skirts and dresses can also make it harder to put you in positions that we might require you to test or exercise in.
- Wearing athletic shoes instead of sandals or high heels is appropriate footwear for performing activities in case of lower extremity injury.
Does physical therapy hurt?
In order to improve your body’s flexibility and strength, your PT will likely involve stretching your muscles and possibly assigning slightly uncomfortable activities. You might feel your muscles are painful and exhausted after a physical therapy session, just like you would after working out.
How long are the PT sessions going to last?
At Ability Rehabilitation, a physical therapy session lasts sixty minutes. For the majority of patients, three visits per week is beneficial.
These sessions can continue until you and your doctor have achieved the intended outcome. The following variables may influence how much physical treatment you require:
- Physical activity level
- Posture
- Age
- Diet
- Medications
- Smoking
- Severity of injury
Will PT assist me in regaining my full function following surgery?
We cannot guarantee a 100% regainment of motion because every person is different and results vary from person to person. Physical therapy, on the other hand, has been shown to assist patients in regaining adequate mobility following surgery. Following that, the activities in your physical therapy plan will focus on strengthening your stomach and back muscles, enabling you to restore complete range of motion.
What are modalities?
Physical therapists employ modalities to promote healing. To aid with muscle healing, relaxation, and strengthening, they employ laser, heat, and cold therapy. Your PT may employ the following common modalities:
- Hot Packs
- Cold Packs
- Ultrasound
- Tens Unit
- Iontophoresis
- Laser Therapy
Creating a rehabilitation plan in physical therapy entails promoting mobility, minimizing discomfort, regaining function, and avoiding disability. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapists also provide research, teaching, and consultation in addition to promoting health, wellness, and fitness.
