The first physical therapy appointment is an evaluation session designed to create a customized treatment plan. This initial visit is substantially different from follow-up appointments because its primary purpose is comprehensive assessment, not just hands-on treatment. The therapist uses this time to understand your medical history, current limitations, and specific goals before any significant therapeutic intervention begins.
Typical Session Length and Influencing Factors
The first physical therapy session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. This extended duration is necessary to complete the detailed intake and physical examination required for an accurate diagnosis and plan of care.
Several variables can cause this time frame to fluctuate. For instance, the complexity of a patient’s condition plays a large role, as a single joint injury requires less time to evaluate than multiple chronic issues or post-surgical cases. Clinic setting also matters, with private outpatient clinics often having more flexibility in scheduling than a hospital-based facility. Moreover, specific insurance requirements, particularly for government programs, can necessitate extensive documentation time that extends the appointment length.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During the Initial Evaluation
The initial evaluation begins with a detailed history intake, covering your symptoms, including their onset, severity, and factors that aggravate or relieve them. This discussion moves beyond the immediate injury to cover your past medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors like your occupation and hobbies. Understanding your functional goals—what you hope to achieve, such as walking without pain or returning to a specific sport—is a central part of this conversation.
Following the verbal history, the physical examination starts with observational and hands-on assessments. The therapist will evaluate your posture, observe how you move, and measure your active and passive range of motion (ROM) to identify joint limitations. Specialized tests are performed to assess muscle strength, neurological function, balance, and the integrity of specific ligaments and tendons, helping pinpoint the source of your discomfort.
The final segment of the session involves establishing the Plan of Care. The therapist will explain the evaluation results and outline the proposed treatment approach. This plan includes setting measurable, long-term and short-term goals for your recovery, such as improving shoulder flexion or being able to walk for a set distance. Often, the session concludes with the initiation of some basic therapeutic exercises or manual techniques and instruction on a home exercise program.
Comparing Initial and Subsequent Sessions
The primary distinction between the initial evaluation and subsequent visits lies in their function and duration. While the first appointment focuses on gathering data and establishing a roadmap, follow-up sessions are treatment-intensive and generally shorter, often lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. These later appointments are dedicated almost entirely to supervised therapeutic exercise, hands-on manual therapy techniques, and the use of modalities like heat or electrical stimulation.
Follow-up sessions involve less comprehensive documentation and minimal re-assessment unless a significant change in your condition occurs. The therapist monitors your progress against the goals set in the Plan of Care, making adjustments to your exercises as your strength and mobility improve.
Preparing for Your First Appointment
It is generally recommended to arrive about 15 minutes early to complete any necessary intake forms or administrative paperwork. You should bring your photo identification, insurance card, and any relevant medical documentation, such as a doctor’s referral or recent imaging reports.
Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is advisable, similar to what you would wear for a workout. This type of attire allows the therapist to easily access and assess the injured area for accurate range of motion and strength testing. If your injury involves a joint like the knee or shoulder, consider wearing shorts or a tank top to facilitate the physical examination.