What to Expect During Your First Physical Therapy Session
When you arrive for your first physical therapy session at Pritchette Physical Therapy (formerly operating as Rehab Plus of Ahwatukee), a member of our front office staff will greet you and provide you with the paperwork needed for your first session. For your convenience, this paperwork can also be printed (see new patient forms) and completed prior to coming in for your appointment. At this time we will also go over your insurance coverage, explain your benefits, and answer any questions that you might have. We will also ask you for your insurance card and the prescription for physical therapy provided to you by your physician or surgeon. Please note that a prescription is not always required or needed in order to be evaluated and treated.
When you have completed your paperwork, it will be provided to your Doctor of Physical Therapy to thoroughly review. He or she will come to the front lobby, introduce him or herself to you, and bring you into the treatment area for a thorough evaluation. You can expect to be asked several questions regarding your symptoms, medications, functional limitations, and any additional factors that will help the therapist best diagnose and determine an appropriate plan of care. He or she may also move your affected joints through a series of motions and palpate your skin, muscles, and joints to identify structures that may be causing or contributing to your symptoms. For this reason, we ask that you please dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothing.
Following your evaluation, your therapist will likely choose to get you started on therapy right away. This may include modalities, stretching, mild to moderate exercise, and/or patient education. Please allow approximately 75-90 minutes for your first session.
After your evaluation has been completed, your therapist will discuss with you a plan of care schedule that is most beneficial to improving your quality of life and achieving your therapy goals, and answer any questions that you may have. Please make sure to check out at the front desk prior to leaving, as our front office staff will talk with you regarding your availability and make sure to schedule you for a time that is most convenient for you.
We look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your therapy and/or fitness goals!