What Should I Expect My First Visit?
Your first visit, or initial evaluation, is the most important visit. During this 60 to 90 minute session, the therapist will ask for a thorough history of the current problem or injury. A variety of tests and measures will be used to determine an accurate diagnosis and prognosis. Your treatment plan will be devised based on the findings of your initial evaluation. You can expect to have a short treatment session on your first day, and in most cases you will be provided with a home exercise program to perform on the days you are not in PT.
What Should I Wear To My PT Sessions?
Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Be sure that the area of the body being evaluated is accessible to the therapist. For example, if you are coming in for a knee injury, shorts or loose fitting pants that can be rolled up above the knee are preferable.
How Long Will My Sessions Be?
The initial evaluation can run anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. Each subsequent session is generally 45 minutes to an hour. We understand that coming to physical therapy multiple times per week is a serious commitment. If you have time constraints, we will make every effort to ensure that your sessions are kept within your given time frame.
Do You Communicate Directly With My Doctor?
Yes! We believe that keeping all members of the health care team informed in a timely manner will lead to greater results in a shorter period of time. Your doctor will receive a copy of the initial evaluation, and will be sent progress notes every 10 visits or sooner if deemed necessary by the therapist.
Can I Come To PT If I Do Not Have A Prescription?
New Jersey is a direct access state, which means that you can, by law, seek the services of a physical therapist without a prescription from a medical doctor.