Your first visit is an initial evaluation by the physical therapist. You will discuss your medical history (including medications, tests and procedures), your current problems/complaints, the intensity of the pain you are experiencing and what aggravates and what eases the problem, how the problem(s) impact your daily activities (your functional limitations), and your goals for your physical therapy course of treatment. Some treatment does occur on the first session.
The physical evaluation may include some of the following:
- Palpation– touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
- Range of Motion (ROM) – the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. 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.
- Special Tests – the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
- Posture Assessment – the position of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.
The therapist will then formulate a treatment plan. This includes how many times you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals, and what you can expect after discharge from therapy.