Starting physical therapy can be both exciting and nerve-wracking—especially if it’s your first time. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or trying to improve mobility, understanding what to expect during your first physical therapy session can help you feel more prepared and confident.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what typically happens at your first visit, including the evaluation process, common questions your therapist might ask, and how to dress and prepare. At ActiveCare Physical Therapy™ in New York City, our goal is to make your journey toward recovery clear, comfortable, and successful from day one.

Initial Evaluation: Laying the Foundation

Your first physical therapy session will primarily consist of a comprehensive evaluation. This is a critical step where your therapist gathers information to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your goals and needs.

Medical History Review

Expect your therapist to ask about:

• Your current condition or injury—when it started, what aggravates or relieves it
• Your medical history, including surgeries, past injuries, and chronic conditions
• Medications you are taking
• Your lifestyle, job, daily activities, and fitness level

All of this helps your therapist understand how your issue fits into the bigger picture of your health and movement patterns.

Physical Assessment

Once your history is discussed, your therapist will perform a detailed physical assessment that may include:

• Posture and gait analysis: to observe your natural stance and walking mechanics
• Range of motion testing: measuring how well your joints move
• Strength testing: assessing muscle power and endurance
• Palpation: hands-on techniques to feel muscle tension, swelling, or tenderness
• Functional movement screening: observing movements like squatting, bending, or reaching

These tests help identify the root cause of pain or dysfunction—not just where it hurts, but why it hurts.

Discussion of Findings and Goals

After your assessment, your physical therapist will explain their findings in a clear, easy-to-understand way. They will discuss:

• The suspected diagnosis or contributing factors to your symptoms
• Short and long-term goals for your therapy
• A general outline of your treatment plan
• This is also a great time to ask any questions you have about your condition or the therapy process.

First Treatment Begins

In many cases, treatment will begin during your first session. Depending on your condition, this may include:

• Gentle manual therapy or soft tissue work
• Light therapeutic exercises
• Postural or movement corrections
• Modalities such as heat, ice, or electrical stimulation (if appropriate)

The goal is to start you on the path to healing without overwhelming your system. Your therapist will also provide home exercises to reinforce what you learned during the session.

How to Prepare for Your First Visit

To make the most of your session:

• Wear comfortable clothing: Choose attire that allows movement and easy access to the area being treated.
• Arrive early: Give yourself time to complete paperwork and relax before your appointment.
• Bring relevant documents: Include prescriptions, imaging reports, and insurance info.
• Come with questions: Jot down anything you’re curious or concerned about—it’s your time to learn!

What Happens Next?

At the end of your session, your therapist will recommend a frequency for follow-up visits (typically 1–3 times per week) and may give you exercises to do at home. The consistency of your therapy—both in the clinic and at home—plays a major role in how quickly and effectively you recover.

First Physical Therapy Session: Conclusion

Your first physical therapy session is all about assessment, education, and beginning a personalized plan to help you heal. At ActiveCare Physical Therapy™, we prioritize one-on-one care to ensure your treatment is tailored to your body, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding what to expect, you’ll feel more confident and empowered as you begin your recovery journey.

Contact Information

ActiveCare Physical Therapy™
29 West 38th Street, Suite 601
New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 777-4374
Email: staff@bestptnyc.com
Website: https://activecarephysicaltherapy.com