A first trip to a physical therapist can be stressful, especially since you are probably going because of an injury or specific condition that has already limited your normal activities and makes you feel uncomfortable.
The comforting news we want to share right off the bat is that physical therapy appointments focus on your healing and well-being. Physical therapy is not intended to be painful or intimidating or to push you beyond what you can do to help yourself get better naturally.
If you are interested in physical therapy in NY, continue reading for useful information from Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care.
Things to Do Before Your First Physical Therapy Appointment
Before your first appointment, you will complete paperwork related to your medical history and current condition. As with any medical appointment, this information is critical to your care, and you should complete it carefully.
Your physical therapist will also ask you several questions about your current condition. Be prepared to discuss relevant points, including:
- How and when your condition begin
- How you managed daily activities at work, home, and in recreation previously compared to current activity levels
- Whether your symptoms have been changing recently or have remained consistent
- What things make your physical condition better or worse
Bring a list of your current medications. Write down any questions you want to ask and bring them along.
The First Appointment Primarily Focuses on Assessment
Your physical therapist’s first order of business is usually to assess your condition and its causes. They always want to be sure they are correctly targeting the source of your discomfort.
After your physical therapist discusses your symptoms and condition, they will likely take some measurements and have you perform some tasks and exercises to establish a baseline for your treatment objectives and measure your progress.
Depending on your condition, your therapist will take some measurements that could include one or more of the following:
- Range of motion
- Strength
- Balance
- Posture
- Flexibility
Some exercises and movements during the assessment might be challenging. You shouldn’t feel anxious about this, as your physical therapist is simply learning about your current condition and the most important areas to work on.
Setting Expectations
An essential part of a physical therapist’s job is helping you set realistic goals for your progress toward recovery. In some cases, that means encouragement. At other times, it could mean avoiding frustration because progress often doesn’t happen as fast as we would like.
It’s easy sometimes for us to gauge our progress by how we used to do things in the past or by looking around the therapy clinic and seeing other people who might seem to be far ahead of where we would like to be.
A good physical therapist will always remind you that your therapy targets you as an individual and your current condition. You should not judge your progress against a previous version of yourself or others; your therapist will work to make you the very best version of yourself that you can be today.
Your Initial Treatment Plan
After completing your assessment, your physical therapist will focus on a personalized treatment plan to address your condition and start treatment. Expect your therapist to discuss your goals for physical therapy with you and the benchmarks you would like to set to mark your progress.
Your physical therapist may provide you with a list of at-home exercises during your first meeting. At-home exercises help you maintain your progress between physical therapy sessions.
Your first set of at-home exercises may not be very challenging, but your physical therapist will use the feedback you provide as time goes on to adjust your at-home exercise regimen.
One goal of physical therapy is to equip you with long-term activities you will always be able to do on your own to maintain good health and mobility.
You should also expect to discuss your future physical therapy schedule as your first appointment concludes.
Contact Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care To Schedule Your First New York Physical Therapy Appointment
Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care treats patients in NYC and multiple locations around the metropolitan area. We strive to provide expert physical therapy and other rehabilitative services along with unmatched customer service.
If you have been referred to physical therapy or are interested in beginning treatment, we are here to help you with each step of the process. Call Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care today at (646) 737-6524 to schedule your first appointment for physical therapy in New York to get on the path to better health.
Doctors listed in our directory accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
First Physical Therapy Appointment FAQs
These are some typical questions patients ask about their first physical therapy appointment.
What Should I Wear to My First Physical Therapy Appointment?
At your first physical therapy appointment, you should consider wearing clothes appropriate for working out. Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing like t-shirts, yoga pants, gym shorts, or sweatpants are good choices. You should also consider clothing that will allow you to move freely.
Should I Eat Before My First Physical Therapy Appointment?
You should eat before your first physical therapy appointment and all following therapy appointments. Go for a well-balanced meal that includes complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats at least an hour or two before your appointment, if possible.
A light snack with some carbohydrates just a few minutes before your appointment begins can provide additional energy for the exercises you will be doing.
Should I Schedule Physical Therapy in New York for Mornings or Afternoons?
Whether you schedule physical therapy for mornings or afternoons depends on your personal attributes and preferences.
Consider when you typically feel that you have the most energy. Some people are morning people, while others prefer to schedule physical therapy appointments in the afternoon after work as a great way to wind down from the day.