What to Expect During Your First Physical Therapy Visit

Clarissa Kinnison
May 27
2 min read

Starting physical therapy can feel like a big step—especially if it’s your first time. We know it can be super daunting so we want to make sure that you feel confident, comfortable, and informed from the moment you walk through our doors.

Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or looking to improve mobility, here’s what you can expect during your first visit with us:

1. A Warm Welcome and Patient Intake

We’ll greet you with a smile and help you complete any necessary paperwork. Be sure to bring:

Your ID and insurance card (if applicable)
A list of medications and past medical history
Comfortable clothing you can move in

We’ll ask questions about your current issue, medical background, and goals for therapy.

2. One-on-One Evaluation with Joel or Jon

Your evaluation will be with one of our experienced and friendly orthopedic physical therapists, Joel or Jon. They will:

Review your medical history and pain patterns
Perform a physical assessment to check strength, flexibility, posture, balance, and joint mobility
Talk with you about your daily life and the activities you're struggling with

3. Creating a Personalized Treatment Plan

After your evaluation, Joel or Jon will walk you through a treatment plan designed around your unique needs and goals. This may include:

Hands-on manual therapy
Guided therapeutic exercises
Pain management techniques
Education on posture, movement, and injury prevention

We’ll also talk about how often you should come in and what kind of progress to expect. Whether you need 3 times a week or 1 visit a week, we want to make sure we are doing what works best for you.

4. Starting Treatment Right Away

If time allows (and it usually does), you’ll begin your treatment on the first day. This could include stretching, gentle exercises, or hands-on work to relieve pain and improve movement.

You’ll leave with a few simple things to start doing at home—your progress begins now, not weeks from now.

5. Questions? We’re Always Here for You.

We know new routines come with questions. Don’t hesitate to ask us anything—from billing to exercises to what comes next. Our front desk and clinical team are here to support you every step of the way.