There are lots of different reasons why patients make an appointment to see a physical therapist. For some, an injury has kept them from some of their favorite activities. For others, an accident at work has created a lack mobility or comfort when getting around. When it comes to Physical Therapy Lawrence KS residents should strive to get the most out of the experience as possible. This all starts with the very first appointment.
Show Up Early
While a patient should never be late to an appointment, it is especially important that he or she show up a little early for the first meeting. This makes it possible to get any paperwork out of the way and can provide an opportunity to go ahead and schedule multiple appointments for future treatment. It can also give a person time to sit down and relax before the real work starts.
Provide Accurate Details
Physical therapists usually have some notes on a patient’s injuries along with information about his or her potential pain and mobility. However, when it comes to the first appointment for physical therapy in Lawrence, KS patients can expect to answer lots of different questions about the injury. Certain injuries can cause generalized pain. But a therapist wants to find out exactly what a specific patient is struggling with. Be sure to explain what happened, what doctors have already done to remedy the problem, and describe the pain or discomfort. The more accurate the description, the better a therapist will be able to help.
Take Notes
During the appointment, patients can expect to go through a series of movements and exercises that are meant to test their strength and mobility, giving the physical therapist a baseline to work from. Then, future appointments will focus on similar movements to help with the injury. However, in most cases, patients are going to be doing some of the work at home. They will have exercises that will need to be done on a regular basis. As a therapists shows the exercises, be sure to take notes, even drawing out what needs to be done. It is one thing to see it in the office and another to try and replicate the movement at home.
If you’ve got an injury that is keeping you from some of your favorite activities, check out Ctrmm.com for more information.
