Knowing what to expect in any facet of life makes the first time that much easier. Medical appointments are a large cause for anxiety for so many people. We’re here to soothe any nervousness you might have about an upcoming physical therapy visit. If you’ve been a physical therapy patient in the past, you know you have nothing to be anxious about. What can you expect during your first visit? How can you get the most out of your physical therapy appointment? Read on for a smooth and comfortable visit.
What We’ll Do During Your First Visit
On average, a patient’s first visit lasts about an hour. We typically ask patients to arrive 15 minutes early to sign-in, complete paperwork and/or change clothes. Expedite this process by bringing along a completed patient registration form.
You will be seen by our Physical Therapist, Joe Miller. Joe works in tandem with our Physical Therapy Assistant, Lori Ketterer. With over 33 years of experience, Joe is the only APTA Board Certified Sports Physical Therapist practicing in Berks County. You can rest easy knowing that you are being cared for by one of the most knowledgeable and honest physical therapists in Pennsylvania.
Every patient is different. Every injury is different. The first step to your visit will be a thorough examination of the injury. During this time, Joe will ask you questions regarding your condition to determine what caused your injury, how your condition is affecting your daily life, and what your physical therapy goals are. Does your condition cause a lack of mobility but you want to continue skiing? We’ll do our absolute best to get you back on that mountain safely and responsibly.
Our team will use these findings to create your individual physical therapy program. We employ a variety of classic and modern treatments including The Graston Method, Blood Flow Restriction Therapy, and more to get you back to feeling your best. Treatment during your appointment could include hands-on techniques, a home exercise regimen, balance work, flexibility work, and much more. At each and every appointment, Joe will pay careful attention to your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the therapy program.
What Should You Bring?
For your first visit, you’ll need to bring your insurance card, your primary registration forms, your ID or driver’s license, and your co-payment (as applicable). In addition, you’ll need:
The right clothing: Please dress comfortably for your visit. We don't want you to wear anything that will hinder your ability to perform exercises with proper form. Try to wear clothing that allows access to the afflicted area. If you have a shoulder or neck injury, wear a loose-fitting shirt that allows access to the injury, like a t-shirt. Likewise, if you have an ankle or knee injury, please wear shorts. If the weather is cold, consider wearing shorts underneath a pair of sweatpants. If you’re coming from work or a prior commitment and need to change clothes for the appointment, please arrive a few minutes early to do so.
X-rays or other imaging: If you have undergone any imaging such as an MRI or an X-ray, please bring those along even if you don’t think your condition is related; everything is relevant.
Prescriptions & referrals: We are a direct access physical therapy office. Direct access is exactly what it sounds like: patients have direct access to us. You do not need a referral to begin with an individualized therapy plan with us. However, if you do have one, certainly bring along a paper copy. This information could be vital to developing the right therapy program. If you are currently taking any medications or supplements please let us know, and make us aware of any medication allergies.
Insurance cards: Be sure to bring along any insurance information with you so we can make sure you or your insurance provider are billed properly.
Questions: Please feel free to ask us any and all questions that you have. We want you to feel the most comfortable and informed you can be. Many feel anxious during medical appointments and forget what might’ve been concerning them before the visit. We encourage you to jot down your questions in advance to make the most of your appointment.
Plan Your First Visit
While a new medical appointment is intimidating to many people, they do it for a reason. You’re ready to feel relief. Every day with your injury will be different. Some days will be harder than others. The exercises prescribed during your appointment might not feel comfortable at first, you might not love your home exercise program. But remember the relief you’re seeking is just around the corner. We can guarantee you’ll leave our office feeling motivated and optimistic about the weeks ahead.
