What happens during my first visit?

• During your first visit you can expect the following:
• Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (forms may be printed off the website or may have been mailed to you).
• Bring your doctor's order/prescription for physical therapy (if required by your insurance).
• We will make a copy of your insurance card and your photo I.D.
• You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the physical therapist.
• The therapist will discuss the following:
  • Your medical history and your current problems/complaints and how they are impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
  • Medications, tests and procedures related to your health may also be pertinent to your physical therapy care.
• The therapist will then perform an evaluation which may include some of the following:
  • Posture Assessment - The positions of joints relative to ideal and each other will be assessed.
  • Range of Motion (ROM) - The therapist will assess the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
  • Muscle Testing - The therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded. This is also part of a neurological screening.
  • Neurological Screening - The therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
  • Palpation - Touching around the area of the pain/problem is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
  • Special Tests - The therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.

The therapist will establish a list of problems you are having, and a plan to treat those problems. This includes how often you should see the therapist, how long you will need therapy, establishing a home program, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. This plan is created with input from you and your doctor.