What to Expect at Your First Physical Therapy Appointment

The referral slip has been on your kitchen counter for two weeks. You've moved it under the mail and back on top again. You know your doctor recommended physical therapy. You're less sure what happens when you walk in: what to wear, what the therapist will ask you to do, and whether treatment starts that day.

Your first visit gives you and the therapist time to discuss what is bothering you and decide how to approach it. Bring your questions along with your referral.

What should you do before your appointment?

Omni requires a referral for physical therapy. If you don't have one yet, you can ask your physician or contact Omni about a referral from one of our chiropractic providers. Our chiropractic providers can issue physical therapy referrals in house. The staff can help you with the next steps, verify your coverage, and answer questions before your visit.

When you schedule, ask whether there are forms to complete beforehand, how early to arrive, and what your insurance leaves you responsible for paying. If you need help getting into the office or have other access needs, mention those on the call too.

Set aside a photo ID, your insurance card, your referral or prescription, and a list of current medications. If you're coming in after a car accident or work injury, mention that when you schedule your appointment. Bring any relevant test results or reports you already have; ask the office if you are unsure which records it needs.

What should you wear?

Choose comfortable clothes that let you move and let the therapist examine the area that is bothering you. Shorts or loose pants work well for a knee or ankle. A short-sleeve or sleeveless top can make a shoulder easier to examine. Wear supportive, closed-toe footwear (opens in a new tab). If you're coming straight from work, consider bringing a change of clothes. Ask Omni's staff about anything specific to your appointment when you book.

What happens during the evaluation?

Your therapist asks about your symptoms and health history, then examines how you move. Depending on your condition, the evaluation may include (opens in a new tab) checking strength, flexibility, and balance, or watching how you walk or get out of a chair.

Think about when the problem gets in your way. Does your shoulder wake you at night? Does standing through a work shift make your back ache? Tell the therapist what you want to get back to, even if you're unsure how to describe the symptoms. Bring any activity restrictions your physician or surgeon gave you.

You and your therapist will discuss goals and a treatment plan. Treatment may begin at the first visit, depending on the evaluation. You can ask what the therapist found and why a particular exercise or treatment is being recommended.

What if a movement hurts or makes you nervous?

Tell your therapist what you feel during the exam, including pain, dizziness, or anything that worries you. Ask for an explanation before a movement you're unsure about. You can ask to pause at any point.

Reporting discomfort and changes in symptoms (opens in a new tab) helps your therapist decide whether to modify activities or recommend further evaluation. If you develop new or worsening symptoms before your appointment, contact your healthcare provider for advice. For a medical emergency, call 911.

What should you know before you leave?

Ask how often the therapist recommends visits, what you should do at home, and how progress will be checked. Discuss any scheduling concerns before arranging the next appointment.

If you are given home exercises, ask to go through any instruction you don't understand. Confirm how often to do them and whom to contact if an exercise causes pain or you have questions between visits.

Write down the answers or ask for instructions you can refer to at home. Useful questions include: What should I practice before our next visit? Are there activities I should change for now? What would be a reason to call you sooner?

How do you schedule your first visit at Omni?

Contact Omni to arrange your first physical therapy appointment. The team can help you with scheduling and confirm where to go for your visit.

Call (203) 562-8600 to ask about an initial evaluation, referral requirements, and what to bring. You can also request an appointment and have the team help you with the next steps.