What to Expect at Your First Visit

At your first visit you will have your initial evaluation.  This is when a Physical Therapist will find out more about you and the things you have been having trouble with.  You will be asked a series of questions about what makes the pain worse, better, what is limited from pain, etc.  You will also be asked to provide a history of major and minor injuries so the specialist can understand how your body may or may not have been moving.  

Once all the questions are done a movement screen will be performed.  During this the Physical Therapist will be assessing how your body parts move during specific motions, squatting, and with walking.  It is easiest to see how the body moves and what compensations are being used if your skin is visible, so please where shorts and if you are a women a sports bra or tank top so that the therapist can better evaluate your motion. 

The Physical Therapist will then proceed to have you perform more specific motions or use their hands to feel how specific joints and muscle move.  This is how a therapist can figure out what type of protection patterns limiting your movement could be creating your problems or not letting them resolve.

Once a therapist has a good idea of why you are experiencing your pain and most importantly an idea of what is causing the movement issues, he will discuss his findings and plan for treatment.  

Treatment plans are dependent on each individual, their history and examination, and the specific goals they may have.

Working towards your goals is the number one reason for using physical therapy and so at your first visit you will receive some hands on treatment and exercises to help you work towards your goals.

If you have any further questions about your first visit please do not hesitate to email us to find out more.