What to Expect From Your First PT Visit

Physical therapy (PT) is a diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative branch of healthcare that uses a variety of non-invasive and drug-free techniques and tools to facilitate healing primarily within the musculoskeletal and neurological systems.

Physical therapists are licensed and board-certified clinicians who have extensive education and training. Most physical therapists are now achieving doctorate-level degrees prior to clinical practice (Doctor of Physical Therapy), and many go on to specialize in the study and treatment of specific diseases or patient populations.

Physical therapists use both manual techniques (such as joint mobilizations and manipulations, soft tissue massage, and active release technique) as well as physical modalities (like heat, cold laser therapy, electrical stimulation, kinesio tape, and ultrasound) to facilitate healing, whether a person is in an acute, subacute, or chronic stage of injury. Physical therapy also relies heavily on the active participation of the patient through the use of therapeutic exercises and stretches in order to improve function, relieve symptoms, and prevent recurring injuries.

So, what does this all mean for you? At Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine, serving Ramsey NJ and surrounding communities in and around Bergen County, our physical therapy team is confident that we can help you feel better, move better, and maximize your health and well-being! If you’ve been thinking about scheduling an appointment with a physical therapist in Ramsey, we invite you to keep reading to find out what to expect during your first visit and what you should do to prepare for your appointment.

What to Expect at Your First PT Visit

The initial PT exam is an important time for you and your physical therapist. Here are a few specific things to expect during your first visit:

• We’ll ask you a variety of questions to get a full picture of your past and current health history, including what your symptoms are and what makes your symptoms better or worse.
• We’ll analyze your overall posture and movement to screen for any contributing factors and guide our exam.
• We’ll perform a variety of specific tests and measures to help diagnose and/or confirm what’s causing your symptoms. Tests and measures may include vital signs, muscle strength, joint mobility, reflexes, sensation, and special tests designed to rule in or out specific injuries.
• Based on the results of our findings, we’ll devise an appropriate course of treatment that will be a best fit for your individual needs. We may also give you some “homework” to do (e.g., stretches or exercises to perform, activities to avoid, etc.) and schedule your next appointment.

How to Prepare for Your Next Physical Therapy Appointment in Ramsey, NJ

Once you’ve booked a PT appointment at our Ramsey, NJ pain management clinic, the first thing you should do is consider downloading and filling out a new patient form. This will help speed up the intake process and provide our physical therapists with valuable information about your current health.

We recommend that you aim to arrive at least 15-20 minutes early to your appointment. This way, you don’t have to rush and you’ll have time to fill out any additional paperwork, stop by the bathroom, or simply relax before the initial examination begins.

Lastly, we also recommend that you wear loose and comfortable clothing as well as supportive shoes.

Looking for PT in Northern New Jersey? Book an Appointment at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine Today

Wondering if physical therapy can help you recover from an acute or chronic injury? Contact the team at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine today. We’d be honored to set you up for an appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists. If you have other questions about your condition, you can also schedule a consult with one of our pain management doctors, Dr. Steven Ferrer or Dr. Kevin McElroy. We pledge not to let your questions and concerns go unanswered!

To schedule an appointment in Ramsey today, call (201) 962-9199 now.