FAQs
Your physical therapist will collaborate with you in determining what works best for both your schedule and body type. Usually, patients begin with one or two sessions per week; however, if you're in pain or on a long road to recovery, your therapist may recommend three visits per week.
How do I get the best results from physical therapy? ›
7 Keys to Getting the Most Out of Physical Therapy
- Speak Up and Ask Questions. Your first session will largely be an information-gathering exercise – both for your therapist and for you. ...
- Set Goals. ...
- Do Your Homework Between Sessions. ...
- Follow Instructions. ...
- Dedicate Space and Time. ...
- Don't Skip Sessions. ...
- Don't Overdo It.
How do I prepare for a physical therapy evaluation? ›
Before Your Visit
- Make a list of any questions you have and want to ask your physical therapist.
- Write down any symptoms you've been having and for how long. ...
- Write down key information about your medical history, even if it seems unrelated. ...
- Ask a family member or trusted friend to go with you to your appointment.
How demanding is physical therapy? ›
Physical therapy can be physically demanding. You are likely to spend a lot of time on your feet when working with patients. Since you're helping patients regain physical capabilities, this often involves demonstrating tasks and providing physical support during rehabilitative exercises.
How many times a week should you do physical therapy? ›
A typical order for physical therapy will ask for 2-3 visits per week for 4-6 weeks. Sometimes the order will specify something different. What generally happens is for the first 2-3 weeks, we recommend 3x per week. This is because it will be the most intensive portion of your treatment.
How do I know if my physical therapist is not working? ›
If there's no change to the area of pain or discomfort within two weeks of physical therapy, this might need to be a referral back to a physician. This assumes that the patient has fully participated in their treatment, and the PT is also doing their role.
Can you overdo PT? ›
Is it Possible to Do Too Much Physical Therapy? Yes, it is possible to do too much physical therapy. Therapy must be done in moderation.
How do you know if a physical therapist is good? ›
Signs of a good physical therapist are that they:
- Listen and communicate well.
- Their approach is personalized.
- Their attitude is positive.
- Their treatment plans produce real results.
What to tell a physical therapist? ›
What Should I Tell My Physical Therapist?
- Talk about the pain you are experiencing. ...
- How did your injury happen and/or when did your pain begin? ...
- What are your recovery goals? ...
- Give your physical therapist you primary care provider's information. ...
- Tell your physical therapist about any medications you are currently taking.
What are 4 things physical therapists uniquely qualified to assess? ›
These medical professionals are specially trained in diagnosing physical-based abnormalities, restoring physical levels of function and mobility, maintaining the functionality of the body, and promoting proper function through physical activities.
Your first visit will last approximately one hour and include a comprehensive evaluation and applicable treatment administered by a licensed physical therapist. Your physical therapist will review your medical history, diagnostic tests and any recent events that may have contributed to your condition.
Is physical therapy harder than nursing? ›
Physical therapy is typically regarded as the more challenging option for the education level required to begin a career in these two fields. Generally, to become a physical therapist, you must complete various degrees, including a doctoral one.
What is the biggest issue in physical therapy? ›
The 3 major issues in physical therapy and rehab
But these issues matter and directly impact your outcome. The major issues in physical therapy fall into 3 critical areas: Process, Patient-Provider Relationship, and Clinical Skill.
What's the hardest part of physical therapist? ›
One of the more surprising challenges of being a physical therapist is keeping your patients on track with their treatments. As a physical therapist, you're invested in the health and rehabilitation of your patients, and it might even feel that sometimes you care more about their health than they do.
Is it possible to do too much physical therapy? ›
Yes, it is possible to do too much physical therapy. Therapy must be done in moderation. If you exceed the instructions that your therapist gives, you could cause further damage and even reverse the effects of your therapy. Your treatment is designed to help you build strength, increase mobility, and recover over time.
How do I know when to stop physical therapy? ›
If you have reached a pre-injury level of fitness, you've achieved all your physical rehabilitation goals and your physical therapist grants you clearance to return to full athletic activities, it may be their recommendation that you discontinue seeking out physical therapy services.
How long should a person be in physical therapy? ›
The length of this treatment is dependent on your progress and compliance with your physical therapist's recommendations. On average, it can take around a few weeks to a few months to complete physical therapy treatment depending on severity and how consistent you are in your care.
How long does it take for physical therapy to make a difference? ›
First 2-3 weeks of physical therapy
Generally, after the first week you'll notice some improvement in yourlevel of pain and discomfort. This should be especially true as you're leaving the physical therapist's office.