8 Things to Bring to Your First Physical Therapy Appointment

If you are beginning physical therapy for the first time at Total Physical Therapy - Denver, you might feel a little anxious or nervous. Physical therapy will make you stronger though and can greatly improve your quality of life. 

Just like with many different doctors and health services, there are certain things you will need to bring along with you to your first physical therapy appointment. This guide will cover some of the best things to bring with you and why they are important. 

Make Sure Not to Forget These Things for Your Physical Therapy Appointment 

As you probably know, the first time you go to a new doctor or clinic of any kind, you have to bring with you some paperwork and other items. Your physical therapist or the receptionist at the office should send you an email with the exact things that their clinic requires. 

Make sure to follow their instructions so you don’t forget anything. You can also use this guide to get an idea of what will be expected from you. 

Insurance Card 

Some insurances will pay for either all or part of your physical therapy expenses. Even if you are not sure whether your insurance will cover the appointment or not, you can bring along your insurance card and the clinic can check for you. 

Your insurance card will have all your insurance information so the receptionist and insurance workers at the physical therapy clinic can inform you if you will need to pay for the appointment or not. 

All Paperwork 

Most physical therapy clinics will send you some paperwork via email that you need to fill out before you arrive. If you’re able to, you can print out the forms from your computer and fill them in before you head into the clinic. 

If you are not able to fill it in before your appointment time, you will need to show up for your appointment early so you have enough time to fill it in before your therapy sessions begin. 

Information About Your Prescriptions 

If you are on any prescription medications, you will need to bring all the papers about your medication to your appointment. The physical therapist will need to know the medicines you are on and the dosage you take. 

Any Assistive Devices 

Sometimes you will need to get physical therapy after having surgery or an injury. If you are currently using a sling crutches or any other assistive device, you will need to bring it with you to your appointment.

This way your physical therapist will be able to make a routine that allows you to use the assistive device. 

Water Bottle 

Some physical therapy clinics provide you with water, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own water bottle especially if you have a certain bottle that you prefer using. Make sure to only drink water during your appointment and try to avoid sugary drinks and caffeine while in physical therapy. 

Medical History Papers 

While you might not have access to all your medical records, you need to make sure you have your basic medical history with you before coming in for your appointment. You should at least know all the dates of previous injuries you have had as well as all the surgeries you have had if applicable. 

You might also need to answer some questions about your family’s medical history so make sure you know about the medical conditions of your immediate relatives. 

Claims Information 

Depending on how or where you got your injury, you might need to bring in some claims information. This is usually only applicable if you are trying to get workers’ compensation or you are trying to get a personal injury claim. 

Clothes 

You need to have on the right clothes for your physical therapy appointment. Make sure you wear something that you would wear to the gym such as sports clothes or active wear. Jeans, dresses, or any kind of restrictive clothing is not appropriate. 

If you’re coming from work or another function, make sure you pack your physical therapy clothes in your bag or car. You can then change into them once you arrive at the office. 

All clothes should be breathable and lightweight. 

Getting Ready For Your First Physical Therapy Appointment 

During your first physical therapy session, the physical therapist will do an examination so they get to know more about your injury and your health condition. 

Some of the things they might check include:

• Posture 
• Balance 
• Flexibility 
• Palpation 
• Movements for your range of motion 
• Movement and mobility patterns 
• Strength
• Neurological screenings 

Before each part of the exam, the therapist will explain to you exactly what to expect so you know what to do. 

Your Personalized Treatment Plans 

After the physical examination, the physical therapist can make your treatment plan for you. Most treatment plans focus on improving your mobility and pain management. Make sure you also discuss your goals with the therapist so that they can work with you to ensure you are happy with the end results. 

Exercise is one of the main goals of physical therapy and you will focus most of your session time on exercise and movement. For pain management, your therapist might also use electrical stimulation or ultrasounds. 

After your first appointment, the physical therapist will give you a schedule and plan so you know how often you will have appointments. They will also give you a list of exercises to do at home in between appointments. 

Final Thoughts 

Don’t be nervous about your first physical therapy appointment. It can be an exciting time full of healing and growth when you have the right physical therapist by your side. 

Before your first appointment, make sure you gather all the needed things including the eight things on this list. You should also inquire with your physical therapy clinic to see if they require anything specific so that you can adequately prepare yourself before going for the appointment.