For some, visiting a physical therapist can be nerve wracking simply because they don’t know what to expect. But there’s no need to be worried, as physical therapists are trained professionals in pain management solutions. With their support, you may be able to finally achieve lasting relief from your pain. If you have an upcoming physical therapy appointment, it is important that you are completely prepared before you show up to the office.
To prevent confusion or any feelings of anxiety, here are some things any first-time patient should know to make their appointment as successful as possible.
- Before your visit, keep a record of all your symptoms
With some injuries, your symptoms may not always be consistent or constant. Your injury may trigger something if you are doing a specific activity, so make sure to keep a running list of your symptoms going at all times. Then, bring this list with you to your appointment. Without all of the information available, your new physical therapist will not be able to come up with a comprehensive solution to make you feel better. - Know it may hurt before it gets better
During your early sessions, your therapist will be manipulating your bones, ligaments, and joints with a goal of helping you find lasting relief. But your body isn’t used to all this movement, especially in your stiffer areas, and it is normal to feel pain during and after your first few sessions. Know that your physical therapist is doing what they can to help you, and until your body gets acclimated to these new sensations, it can feel odd. - Your therapist may not know how many physical therapy service sessions you need
Your therapist will have to analyze your situation during your first visit and will have to take into account how you are progressing before they can tell you how many sessions you need. There are many factors that go into this, so be patient. While it can be frustrating not knowing how long your treatment will last, see this as a healing journey, not a destination. - Anyone and everyone can get physical therapy services
There is a misconception that physical therapy is only for athletes. This is untrue, as physical therapy can help people of all shapes, ages, and sizes. Plus, considering that more than 50 million Americans suffer from arthritis, this type of therapy has consistently been used to help patients feel better.
It is completely normal to feel nervous before meeting with a new therapist. However, intense stress will only exacerbate your symptoms, which is why it’s important to prepare for your first appointment. If you have any remaining questions about how you specifically can benefit from physical therapy services, make sure to reach out to health care professionals for more information.
