What to expect on your first Physical Therapy visit
Before your visit:
Write down a list of questions that you may have so that you can make the best use of your time with your physical therapist.
Write down any symptoms you are having, and for how long. If you have more than one symptom, begin with the most troublesome one to you.
Make specific notes about your symptoms: is your pain or symptoms
– better or worse with certain activities or movements or certain positions i.e sitting, standing?
– More noticeable at certain times of the day?
– Relieved or made worse by resting?
Write down key information about your medical history, even if it seems unrelated to the condition for which you are seeing the physical therapist.
Make a list of all prescription and over the counter medications: vitamins and supplements you are taking.
Make a note of any important personal information: stressful events in your life.
Write down and describe any injuries, incidents or environmental factors that you believe might have contributed to your condition.
Make a list of any medical conditions of your parents or siblings.
If available, bring any lab or diagnostic reports (X-ray, MRI, CT-scan) from other health care professionals who have treated you for your current condition.
You may want to avoid tight or formal clothing in case your physical therapist wants to engage in activities during the first session.
During your first visit:
Your physical therapist will begin by asking you several questions about your health and about the specific condition that will be treated. A detailed examination will be performed depending on your condition. Your strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, posture are some of the things that will be evaluated. Your physical therapist will use her hands to examine or ‘palpate’ the affected area or to perform a detailed examination of the mobility of your joints, muscles and other tissues.
Your physical therapist may also evaluate:
– How you walk (gait)
– How you get up from a lying position or functional activities that may be symptomatic.
– How you use your body for certain activities i.e bending and lifting (body mechanics).
Your physical therapist might ask you specific questions about your home or work environment, your health habits and activity level, and your leisure and recreational interests so that she can help you become as active and independent as possible.
Your physical therapist will work with you to determine your goals for physical therapy, and will begin to develop a treatment plan for you. In most cases, a diagnosis is made and treatment begins immediately.
One of the main goals of treatment is almost always to improve your ability to do your daily tasks and activities. To reach this goal, the physical therapist may need to focus on pain, swelling, weakness or limited motion. Your physical therapist will constantly assess your response to each treatment and will make adjustments as needed.
An important aspect of your treatment will be education. Your physical therapist might explain to you your present condition and teach you special exercises to do at home.
Your physical therapist will evaluate your need for special equipment i.e. special footwear, splints or crutches. If the evaluation indicates that you are at risk for falling, recommendation for simple equipment to help make your home a safer place may be needed.
Your physical therapist will communicate the important information from your examination to your physician and to other health care professionals at your request.
Your progress will be continually checked and your physical therapist will work with you to plan for your discharge from therapy when you are ready. Make sure talk with your physical therapist about what you should do after discharge – if you have questions or if your symptoms or condition should worsen.
Call Dr. Richardson for more information, or to make an appointment contact:
Hughes Medical Centre
Lower South Hill
Anguilla
Tel # (264) 497- 3053
Atlantic Star Center of Medical Excellence
South Hill
Anguilla
Tel # (264) 497- 0765
Family Health Center
Fairplay Complex
The Valley
Anguilla
Tel# (264) 584-3030
Via email: ginarichardsondpt@gmail.com
There will be other monthly articles to follow regarding Physical Therapy.
