WHAT TO EXPECT AT PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapists are highly educated, licensed health care professionals who help patients improve or restore mobility, they can also help patients avoid the need for surgery or long term use of pain relieving medications.
Before your first appointment:
When scheduling your first appointment, it is important to know that the first visit typically takes longer than subsequent visits so more time is blocked out of the schedule. We will request your insurance information, contact your insurance to verify your benefits and any requirements in your contract with regard to physical therapy treatment. You can find registration forms online to complete and bring with you.
What you should bring to your first appointment:
You will need to come at least 20 minutes prior to your first appointment to allow time to complete your paperwork. You should bring your insurance card(s), prescription (if the Doctor didn’t fax it to us), a list of your current medications. If you have not met your deductible, you will be asked to make a payment each visit to begin to cover the cost of the deductible.
Bring your calendar/appointment book with you to schedule future appointments. It is important that you know your schedule so you can avoid scheduling conflicts.
What you should wear:
Comfortable clothing is usually best. Suits, dresses and skirts are usually not recommended for therapy. Generally wear something that will allow the therapist to examine the area needing treatment. If you need to change clothing, you will have the opportunity to do so.
Will it hurt?
The goal of physical therapy is to improve pain levels and function. Your therapist will stretch your muscles and may have you do exercises that cause a little discomfort. This is to increase flexibility and strength in your body. Just as after a workout, you may experience sore, tired muscles after a session of physical therapy. The goal is to help you feel better, not worse.
Regularly scheduled appointments:
At your first visit, your therapist will discuss a plan of care including frequency and duration of treatment. Please be on time or a couple minutes early for your appointment. Coming late may reduce your one on one time with the therapist and may even create the need to reschedule the entire appointment.
Your treatment will consist of the exercises, modalities and other aspects discussed at your first appointment.
Keeping your appointments:
It is important to keep your scheduled appointments. If you have to cancel, please cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Did you know missed appointments (no show or cancel) can result in reduced continuity of care and keeps another person from using that appointment slot for medical care they really need. When patients fail to cancel or show up for their appointment, their healthcare provider can't simply shift the rest of the day's appointments up to fill the space. It also increases the wait time for new patients needing to begin their care.
We understand that emergencies can happen and an appointment may need to be cancelled or changed. In that case, please contact us as soon as you know you will not be able to keep your scheduled time.
See our financial policy for information regarding cancellation and no show charges.
Communication: Your therapist will communicate regularly with your doctor, surgeon or case worker to keep them updated on your progress.