What To Bring To Your First Physical Therapy Appointment

What To Bring To Your First Physical Therapy Appointment

Physical therapy is the first step toward recovering from an injury, regaining mobility, or reducing pain. You can ensure a successful treatment plan when you bring the following to your first appointment with a physical therapist.

Your Medical History

Your physical therapist will want to know as much as possible about your condition and any other aspects of your medical history that might affect your treatment or progress. Be sure to gather any materials that your therapist may want to review, including:

• Medical records regarding your injury 
• Doctors’ statements about your physical deficiencies
• Medications you are currently taking
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and vitamins
• Current X-rays and scans 

Although your therapist will perform a physical evaluation, these materials are necessary to provide a complete picture of your issues.

Your Goals

You will need to understand what you hope to achieve through physical therapy. Whether you seek pain reduction, greater mobility, strength, or better balance, having goals will help your therapist steer your treatment in the direction it takes to achieve them.

Comfortable Clothes

Physical therapy sessions involve lots of stretching, lifting, bending, and other movements of various body parts. Avoid wearing restrictive clothing that will prevent you from adequately engaging your body. If you are arriving from work, you may want to bring a change of clothes that allows your therapist to examine your body while moving or resting.

Questions

Your first appointment is a perfect time to ask your therapist questions about your treatment. Questions may include:

• How long will my treatment last?
• How frequently should I come?
• How will I feel after each session?
• How will you measure my progress?
• What treatment modalities will you apply?
• What exercises can I do at home? 

Insurance Information

If you have health insurance, you should remember to bring your policy details to your first appointment. Your policy will determine if you have a deductible before your coverage begins, how much you will pay for each session, and if you require pre-authorization from your insurance provider before you can start treatment.

Prescriptions

Although most states don’t require you to have a doctor’s prescription to begin physical therapy, you will need to bring this paperwork to your first appointment if you have one. Your doctor may have specific goals for your treatment, and a prescription will help your therapist focus on the areas of your body where your doctor thinks you are struggling.

Before you schedule your appointment for physical therapy in Bowie, Maryland with Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic give the office a call to better find out how you can prepare for your first visit.