We’re answering all of your questions about your physical therapy sessions in Fort Myers at our Palm Pointe location.
Since you’re reading this, it’s safe to assume that you or a loved one has been injured or suffered from some type of pain or condition. You’re definitely in the right place.
Physical Therapy Now at Palm Pointe is just where you want to go for the expert physical therapy treatment and care you deserve. If this will be your first time receiving physical therapy, you probably have a lot of questions. We’re going to tell you precisely what you can expect from physical therapy, from start to finish.
What Should I Do First?
Odds are, you’ve probably seen a doctor at this point and received a diagnosis for your pain or injury. If you haven’t seen a doctor yet, that’s okay, as we can still see you and start your treatment plan without a prescription. If you don’t have a medical diagnosis, we will most likely be able to help determine the type of injury or ailment causing your pain.
Your doctor may advise PT at this time and will probably provide you with some names and recommendations, though you’re free to find whichever PT facility that’s best for you.
Once you’ve decided where to go (let’s say, Physical Therapy Now, for instance!), the first step is to call and set up an initial visit. This is the perfect time to get all of your questions answered, but of course, you can call anytime with any questions.
Here are some things you should consider asking before you start your actual therapy:
- Have you treated my condition before?
- Do you accept my insurance?
- What kind of out-of-pocket expenses am I looking at per session?
- What types of services do you offer?
For the initial appointment, it’s also important that you’re prepared to answer any questions the physical therapist may have for you about your pain or injury, which will help determine the best course of action. Some of those might include:
- When and how did your pain start?
- How was your mobility prior to the pain/injury?
- How often are you experiencing the pain?
- What makes the pain worse/eases the pain?
You should also have your medical history, including allergies and a list of any medications you’re taking, ready to provide.
What Happens At the Evaluation?
Once all information has been exchanged, and questions have been answered, it’s time to get to work! Your physical therapist will perform an initial physical examination that could include:
- Strength tests
- Balance evaluation
- Functional mobility
- Neurological screening
- Range of motion measurements
- Heart rate
These are all standard tests and will provide a baseline to compare your progress as you get further along into your PT program.
Wear comfortable clothes that will allow you to move freely. If you have a shoulder or arm injury, wear a short-sleeved shirt or tank top so the physical therapist can access the area; if it’s a leg or lower-body injury, wear shorts for the same reason. Comfortable sneakers are always a good idea as well.
Time for Treatment
After your evaluation, it’s time to start treating your injury. Your first session may happen right after your exam, or you might begin at a later date–feel free to ask ahead of time. Either way, you and your physical therapist will put together a treatment plan based on your pain level, injury severity, and your evaluation and exam assessments.
At this point, your therapist will have a good idea of how to increase mobility while decreasing pain and restoring function. Your PT will share the goals of treatment and what you can expect from your rehab, and what kind of therapy you’ll receive (manual therapy, stretching, exercise, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, etc.), as well as how often you’ll receive the treatment (weekly, twice a week or most commonly three times a week). Most sessions will be an hour at most but ask your physical therapist for more details.
We’ve Got Your Safety Covered
We know how important it is to maintain a high level of cleanliness and safety during these COVID times. Physical Therapy Now takes every precaution and adheres to all CDC guidelines to ensure your experience is safe and clean. Some of our safety measures include but are not limited to:
- Mandatory mask-wearing at all times while in the building
- Mandatory temperature reading for all patients and staff
- Sanitation and cleaning of all surfaces after each use
- No admittance of anyone with symptoms into the facility
- Social distancing measures as recommended by the CDC
With these precautions in place, you can feel safe every time you come into our Physical Therapy Now facility at Palm Pointe.
What to Expect After Treatment
Depending on your pain level and injury, you might feel some soreness the next day, but in most cases, that’s a good thing! Why? Because the area requiring therapy (as well as the surrounding areas) is being targeted to build strength, increase mobility and flexibility, and promote healing. So, some post-treatment soreness is absolutely normal and expected. If soreness is present, the worst thing to do is not come in for your next visit. It is very important to keep all of your appointments for the physical therapist to see your progress and make the necessary changes and adjustments to reach your short-term and long-term goals.
But don’t worry–our highly qualified and experienced team of physical therapists at the Physical Therapy Now at Palm Pointe location are always there to offer kindness, caring, and support and prioritize your health, comfort, and well-being. If you have any pain, just be sure to let them know, and they will work with you to alleviate it.
Physical Therapy at Palm Pointe in Fort Myers
Now that you know what to expect from physical therapy, call the Fort Myers Physical Therapy Now at Palm Pointe at (239) 533-9903. We’ll get you set up with your initial evaluation and examination in our beautiful, state-of-the-art facility in Fort Myers. The time is NOW to start your road to recovery!! Physical Therapy Now at Palm Pointe is your place for healing.
