Your First Visit
What should I expect on my first visit?
A licensed therapist will meet with you to perform a detailed medical history and evaluation lasting 45-60 minutes. Usually, treatment will be started the same day. We will discuss your therapy goals (or your child’s) and you will receive a clear explanation of your condition and treatment plan. Our job is to do everything possible to help you achieve your goals (or your child’s) in the fastest manner possible.
When should I arrive?
You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete your intake paperwork. If you prefer to fill this paperwork out ahead of time, click here (link to Welcome Packet). Even if you arrive with completed paperwork, still allow some time for us to obtain copies of your insurance card (if we are filing a claim on your behalf) and ID. We strive to start our patients at their scheduled appointment time.
What should I wear?
In general, wear loose-fitting comfortable attire to allow for evaluation and movement. Cloth gowns are available for clients with shoulder, neck or back injuries. Clients with hip, knee, ankle, or foot conditions should wear shorts or loose pants to allow proper exposure. We do have a limited amount of shorts in case you forget. Female patients with shoulder dysfunction should wear a tank top or loose short sleeved shirt to allow exposure of the entire shoulder complex.
Will I be in a private treatment room or in a gym?
Initial evaluations take place in private treatment rooms to make sure clients feel comfortable sharing their health history and current symptoms. Treatment typically takes place in a gym setting for our orthopedic and pediatric PT and OT patients unless we feel the patient is better served in a private setting. Our patients’ privacy and modesty is always maintained. Pelvic physical therapy clients are always treated in a private treatment room unless they have advanced to general strengthening activities where the gym setting is more fitting. Speech therapy clients are also typically seen in private treatment rooms where a more quiet, controlled environment can be maintained. We do try very hard with our pediatric clients to make sure skills transfer to all types of settings – we want our kiddos to be able to function anywhere they may land, not just in a room with his/her therapist. So don’t be surprised if you see treatment taking place outside, in the stairwell, or at your child’s daycare facility! Click here to take a tour of our adult and pediatric clinics.