So, you’ve made the decision to come to physical therapy and have scheduled your first physical therapy appointment. Our team of licensed therapists is ready and excited to help you get back to health! In order for you to have the smoothest experience during your visit, we have some tips on how you can prepare and what to expect at your first physical therapy appointment
Haven't scheduled your first appointment yet?
If you're tired of dealing with pain, licensed ATI physical therapists are here to help you on your journey back to good health. Start today by scheduling a complimentary screening at any ATI location. We'll book your appointment within 24-48 hours, so you can start feeling like your old self again fast.
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We Give You a Reminder Call Before Your PT Appointment
You can expect to receive a courtesy reminder call one to two days in advance of your PT appointment. If you need to reschedule, we recommend doing so on this call so your preferred date and time are booked.
Do I Need to Fill Out Any Forms?
To save time, download and complete your new patient forms (linked below) ahead of your appointment. It will allow you to begin your therapy session even faster!
If you choose to fill out the forms at your clinic, please allot 15 minutes to complete before your scheduled appointment time.
What to Wear at Physical Therapy
Your therapy session will involve varied physical movements and we want you to feel comfortable throughout your visit. We recommend wearing clothing that is comfortable enough for you to move around in, whether that is workout gear or, for example, lounge-type wear. The clothing you wear should also allow for easy exposure of the areas where pain is present.
What Should I Bring to My Appointment?
Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card and your therapy prescription, if you have them. You will then receive an overview of your healthcare benefits for therapy.
How Long is a Physical Therapy Session?
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to your scheduled appointment time if you haven’t already completed your new patient forms. Your first visit will last from 60 to 90 minutes and you can expect to start treatment on day one.
What Will Treatment with My Physical Therapist Look Like?
During your first appointment, you will meet your ATI Care Team and they will be there for you every step of the way!
Your visit will begin with a thorough physical assessment, in which your therapist will want to learn more about the issue that brings you in. We recommend coming to this first visit with a list of two or three things that disrupt your everyday life, or present difficulty, as they relate to your need for therapy. For example, “I can’t go down the stairs without pain in my knee,” or “I can’t squat down to pick up my grandkids.” This is essential in helping your Care Team understand your pain points and will aid in setting the goals for your recovery.
Your session will consist of a combination of hands-on work by your ATI Care Team, along with active work by you. We want to build your confidence over the course of your therapy, to promote your independence and empower you to own your healing process.
Toward the end of your visit, your therapist will discuss your expected treatment plan and duration. You will also receive a new patient folder, containing more details on what to expect during your course of therapy, an individualized home exercise program and a schedule of your upcoming appointments.
Is a Physical Therapist a Doctor?
Physical therapists are not physicians, but many have earned a doctorate degree, having completed a 3-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Others may have earned a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT). No matter what their level of training, every professional on your ATI Care Team is committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for everyone in their care.
Next Steps
In many ways, your first appointment is your most important. It is where you commit to your journey of returning to health. Joining you on this journey is your ATI Care Team. They will be there as you work toward your goals and they will cheer you on with each success!
The more you are actively involved and invested in your therapy sessions, the sooner you will get back to health and get back to your life. We work hard to efficiently and effectively deliver treatment. We can’t wait to see you for your first physical therapy appointment!