6 Steps to A Successful First Appointment With Your Physical Therapist

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An increasing number of Americans are learning that physical therapy has a wide range of benefits and is no longer reserved for those needing post-operative care or rehabilitation. In fact, many people who routinely turn to options such as Yoga, acupuncture, herbal remedies or over-the-counter pills for pain relief are pleasantly surprised at the effectiveness of physical therapy.

Physical Therapists help patients improve mobility and motion, avoid surgery and the use of powerful drugs, and they actively educate and engage their patients throughout the recovery process.

However, one physical therapist does not necessarily fit all. It’s important to find a PT that is knowledgeable about your condition, and one with whom you are comfortable. There are signs to look for at your first appointment with your PT that will either confirm that you’ve made the right choice, or warn you to keep searching.

6 Steps To A Successful First Visit With Your Physical Therapist

  1. During the initial evaluation, the therapist should review your health history and ask you questions about the condition that sent you to PT. This detailed information helps the PT decide whether or not you could benefit from physical therapy and determine which approach is best for you.
  2. The PT should consider where the pain is located AND what is causing the pain to occur. For example, your knee may hurt, but it may be due to a weakness in your hips that’s causing you to walk in a way that unduly stresses your knees. A good therapist understands that the pain’s location does not necessarily equate to its cause.
  3. The physical therapist might assess your flexibility, strength, balance, posture, coordination, blood pressure, and heart and respiration rates. Furthermore, your PT might examine or “palpate” the affected area with his hands, or examine the mobility of your joints, muscles, and other tissues by examining them using a more detailed approach. The physical therapist may further evaluate you by checking your gait (walking), functional activities (how you get out of a chair), and body mechanics (bending and lifting).
  4. The PT’s goal is to improve or maintain your ability to do normal daily tasks and activities. Your PT should not only work with you at therapy to reduce swelling and pain and increase movement, but provide ‘homework’ for you – like movement and strength exercises — to further your recovery in between appointments.
  5. The PT should educate you on new and different ways of performing tasks and activities at work and home. Such techniques will lessen your pain and strain, help you avoid re-injury, and help you recover sooner rather than later.
  6. Your PT will discuss a plan going forward with you to help you reach your goal of recovery. Make your next appointment according to the plan. But before you leave, make sure the PT has answered all of your questions and is open to doing so. Good communication is an important part of recovery.

About  Results Physiotherapy

Results Physiotherapy offers world-class physical therapy, a ground-breaking advance over the old exercise-only treatments. International studies prove our hands-on approach yields faster pain relief and more lasting recovery.

Our licensed therapists are trained in the newest, evidence-based techniques from around the world, combining the best of traditional physical therapy with expert hands-on release of muscle and joint tension. Not only does our therapy bring better results, it also just feels better.

Click here for more information about Results Physiotherapy.

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