How To Prepare For Your First Physical Therapy Session

Are you worried about your first physical therapy session? If you are, it's probably because you are worried about what will happen during the session and how you should prepare for it. The only way to alleviate this kind of fear is to gain as much knowledge as you can before you go to your session. You should also prepare as much as possible to ensure that you are comfortable at this session.

What to Do Before the Visit

Before your visit, you should prepare some questions that you have for your physical therapist. Write down all the things that are bothering you that you want answers to. You should also take note of any symptoms you are having and how long they last. If you have medical or lab reports that will be beneficial to your therapist, then bring them along as well.

Make sure to write down any medications or supplements that you may be taking because you never know how these will impact your therapy.

Dress Appropriately

Dressing appropriately for your physical therapy session is a must. If you don't know what you should wear to your session, give your physical therapist a call ahead of time and ask. You want to be as comfortable as possible. Your session is likely to include some moderate exercise and stretches, and if you are not wearing the appropriate clothing, it can make it difficult to execute certain moves.

Expect a Physical Exam

One of the things that you can expect to happen is a physical examination. During this physical examination, your therapist will try to zone in on the physical impairments that brought you to physical therapy. You can expect there will be a range of movements designed for motion measurements. You will also do balance and flexibility measurements.

Your Treatment Plan

Once the examination is complete, your therapist will try to develop a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. The goals of the treatment plan will be discussed with you, and you will be told what to expect. If you have any questions, you should ask your physical therapist at this time, before the treatment begins.

A physical therapy session can fill you with apprehension. However, there is no need to feel apprehensive about it if you take the time to write down all the questions you have before the session. Ask your therapist about any part of the treatment plan that you don't understand so that you will feel comfortable at all stages. The bottom line is that with the proper communication between you and your therapist, you should have successful physical therapy sessions.