What to Expect

What happens in Physical Therapy?

• At the first visit, the PT will do an initial evaluation of the patient.
  • This includes taking the patient’s history, asking questions about their current condition, and performing a physical examination.
  • Depending on the patient’s condition/diagnosis, this may involves tests and measurements of strength, range of motion, balance, gait (walking), sensation, joint mobility, and other special tests specific to the patient.
  • The PT will evaluate all of these things to establish a management plan for their condition.
• The amount, frequency, and length of treatment sessions vary depending on the patient’s condition.
• Treatment sessions may include:
  • exercises (e.g. strengthening, stretching, balance exercises, lumbar/core strengthening exercises)
  • manual techniques (e.g. joint mobilizations, deep friction massage, passive motions, muscle relaxation or stimulation techniques)
  • gait re-education (e.g. retraining the body to restore proper gait patterns for people with neurologic or orthopedic conditions that affect one's walking)
  • transfer training (e.g. re-educate the body how to properly move from sitting to/from standing, move in bed, get in/out of the car, to/from the floor; for people with various orthopedic, neurologic, or geriatric conditions)
  • posture education (e.g. assessment of posture in sitting/standing/at a computer/work-related activities; use of postural supports, braces, or splints)
  • patient education (e.g. advisement on their current condition, including ways to maximize the healing process and prevent future injuries/issues)
  • modalities (e.g. electrical stimulation, ultrasound, traction, iontophoresis, phonophoresis, hot/cold packs)
• The ultimate goal for PT is to restore maximum function and/or return the patient to their previous level of functioning.
• Typically, patients are given a home exercise program and extensive education on their condition to maximize their potential.