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If you’ve never been to a physical therapist, it can be hard to know what to expect.  Will it hurt? What if it doesn’t work? These are normal questions you might ask yourself before your first physical therapy appointment.  While it’s completely normal to be curious about what to expect, no amount of “Scranton physical therapy” Google searches can truly prepare you for your first trip to the physical therapist’s office.  However, there are a few things you should know before going.

Wear Clothes You Can Move Around In

One of the best parts of going to physical therapy is that you get to wear your comfiest, stretchiest clothes!  Depending on the part of your body your physical therapist will be targeting, make sure to wear clothes that allow easy access to that area.  Things like yoga pants and stretchy tank tops are great for physical therapy appointments, as they allow you to move around freely without feeling too exposed.  However, your physical therapist may ask you to wear something specific, so be sure to check with them before your first appointment.

The Physical Exam

Your physical therapist needs to get familiar with your body and how it moves and functions, so be prepared for a thorough physical examination at your first appointment.  Some of the things your physical therapist might do during the exam includes strength tests, range of motion (ROM) measurements, balance, and neurological screenings.  Your physical therapist will do these tests as a way to figure out what might be causing you problems or affecting your injury. Before getting started with your physical exam, your physical therapist should explain each test they’re going to do and why.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions during this process, that’s what your physical therapist is there for!

Creating A Plan

After completing a physical exam, your physical therapist will be able to come up with a customized treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery.  Much of your recovery will rely on certain exercises designed to treat the part of your body that is injured. In addition to performing these exercises at your physical therapist’s office, they may ask you to continue doing them at home as well to keep up with your recovery.  Your physical therapy plan should also include a schedule of days and times you’ll be expected to see your physical therapist, as well as a timeline of goals and milestones your physical therapist wants you to hit. Depending on the severity of your injury, your physical therapy treatment plan can take anywhere from 4 weeks to several months to complete.  Your physical therapist will work out a treatment plan that works best for you, so you’ll be on your way to a full recovery in no time!