If you’ve never been to physical therapy, you may be wondering what actually happens during an appointment.
Your first visit to Florida Spine Chiropractic is a chance for Dr. Lisa Weiss, DPT, and our physical therapy team to understand what’s going on, how it’s affecting you, and what you’d like to accomplish.
You don’t need to prepare or study. Just come ready to tell us what’s been happening.
Your First Physical Therapy Visit
We’ll start by talking.
Your physical therapist will ask about your symptoms, when they began and what makes them better or worse. They’ll also want to know about your medical history, previous injuries or surgeries and any instructions from your physician.
Just as important is what you’re having trouble doing.
Maybe standing or sitting has become uncomfortable. You’re having trouble getting out of a chair or walking as far as you used to. Perhaps you’re recovering from surgery and following your doctor’s rehabilitation plan. Or an injury has kept you away from work or an activity you enjoy.
Those details help us understand the problem in the context of your life.
Your Physical Therapy Evaluation
Next, your therapist will assess factors related to your condition.
That may include:
- Strength
- Range of motion
- Flexibility
- Balance and coordination
- Posture
- Walking
- Joint movement
- Areas of pain or tenderness
You may also be asked to perform simple movements such as sitting, standing, walking, bending or reaching.
There are no grades. We’re simply trying to understand how you move and where you have difficulty.
Your Treatment Plan
After the evaluation, your therapist will explain what they found and recommend next steps.
Your treatment may include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, mobility work, balance training, dry needling, or other physical therapy treatments and procedures.
If your physician or surgeon prescribed physical therapy, their recommendations and any precautions related to your procedure will be part of the plan.
You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions. We want you to understand what we’re working on and why.
What Happens at a Regular Appointment?
We’ll usually begin by asking how you’ve been doing since your last visit.
That matters. How you responded to the previous treatment, what’s improving, and what’s still giving you trouble help your therapist decide what to work on next.
Your appointment may include a combination of hands-on treatment, exercises, stretching, balance work, or movement training. As you improve, your treatment can progress with you.
What Should I Wear?
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move is usually best.
It also helps if your clothing allows reasonable access to the area being treated. Shorts, for example, can be helpful if we’re working on your knee.
Comfortable, supportive shoes are a good idea if you’ll be walking, standing, or exercising.
Will Physical Therapy Hurt?
It’s normal to wonder about this.
Working with an injured, stiff, or weak area can sometimes cause temporary discomfort, but physical therapy isn’t about seeing how much pain you can tolerate.
Tell your therapist what you’re feeling. If something doesn’t feel right, they need to know.
What About Exercises at Home?
You may be given exercises or movements to work on between appointments.
They’re there to support what you’re doing in physical therapy, not take over your day. If you’re having difficulty with an exercise or aren’t sure you’re doing it correctly, ask us.
How Long Will I Need Physical Therapy?
It depends on your condition, your goals, and how you progress.
Someone recovering from orthopedic surgery may have a very different treatment schedule from someone working on balance or recovering from a less serious injury.
Your therapist will discuss the recommended visit frequency with you and adjust your program as you progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to my physical therapy appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily and gives your therapist access to the area being evaluated. Athletic clothing is fine, but you don’t need special workout clothes.
What happens at my first physical therapy appointment?
Your first visit usually includes a conversation about what is bothering you, an evaluation of your movement, strength, flexibility, balance, or other areas related to your concern, and a discussion of what you would like to get back to doing. Your therapist will then recommend a treatment plan based on what they find.
Will I receive treatment at my first appointment?
Often, yes. Depending on your evaluation and your condition, your therapist may begin treatment during your first visit and give you some things you can start doing at home.
Does physical therapy hurt?
Physical therapy should not simply be a matter of “pushing through” pain. Some movements or treatments may cause temporary discomfort, particularly when an area is stiff or sensitive. Tell your therapist what you’re feeling so they can adjust treatment when needed.
Questions Are Welcome
Florida Spine Chiropractic is a small, family-led practice. Dr. Bryan Wells, DC leads the chiropractic practice, and his sister, Dr. Lisa Weiss, DPT, leads physical therapy.
We take your care seriously, but we don’t think healthcare needs to feel stiff or impersonal. If you don’t understand something, ask. If something isn’t working for you, tell us.
For an overview of the service, visit Physical Therapy in Vero Beach.
Contact Florida Spine Chiropractic to schedule a physical therapy appointment in Vero Beach.
Florida Spine Chiropractic (Get Directions)
780 US-1, #201
Vero Beach, FL 32962
- Convenient location at US-1 & 8th Street (avoid Route 60 congestion)
- Easy parking and ground-level access
- Serving the Treasure Coast for over 15 years