What to Expect During Your First Physical Therapy Visit
If you’re preparing for your first physical therapy appointment, you may have questions about what to expect. At Emery Physical Therapy, we want to ensure that your experience is smooth, comfortable, and effective from the moment you walk through our doors. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, chronic pain, or post-surgical recovery, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
This guide will walk you through what happens during your first visit, including how we assess your condition, develop a personalized treatment plan, and begin your journey to recovery.
What is Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy?
Outpatient orthopedic physical therapy focuses on musculoskeletal conditions, including joint pain, sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, and chronic conditions like arthritis. Unlike inpatient therapy, which occurs in a hospital, outpatient therapy is designed to help patients regain mobility and strength while continuing daily activities.
At Emery Physical Therapy, we specialize in one-on-one, hands-on treatments to help you recover faster and get back to doing what you love.
Before Your First Visit
To make your first appointment stress-free, here’s what you should bring:
✔ Insurance card & photo ID
✔ Medical history & doctor’s referral (if applicable)
✔ Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
✔ Athletic shoes for exercises
✔ A list of medications you’re currently taking
If you have questions about insurance coverage or appointment details, check out our insurance & payment options page or call us at (847) 786-2014.
Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation
Your first session at Emery Physical Therapy begins with a detailed evaluation by one of our licensed physical therapists.
We’ll take the time to understand:
✔ Your medical history & current symptoms
✔ Pain levels & functional limitations
✔ Your movement patterns, flexibility, and strength
✔ Posture, balance, and range of motion
This comprehensive assessment helps us identify the root cause of your pain and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan
After your evaluation, we’ll create a step-by-step treatment plan that focuses on:
✅ Pain relief & inflammation reduction
✅ Strengthening weak muscles
✅ Improving mobility & flexibility
✅ Correcting posture & movement patterns
✅ Preventing future injuries
Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury, surgery, or chronic pain, your plan will include hands-on therapy, guided exercises, and self-care techniques to accelerate your healing.
Step 3: Hands-On Therapy & Guided Exercises
At Emery Physical Therapy, we use evidence-based treatments to promote faster recovery and long-term relief. Depending on your condition, your session may include:
✔ Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tightness and improve joint function
✔ Therapeutic Exercises: Strength-building and flexibility exercises tailored to your condition
✔ Modalities: Techniques like ultrasound, electrical stimulation (E-Stim), and heat/ice therapy to reduce pain and inflammation
✔ Gait & Balance Training: For patients recovering from surgery or neurological conditions
We also provide customized home exercise programs, so you can continue your progress between sessions.
Step 4: Education & Ongoing Support
Understanding your condition and treatment process is key to long-term success. Our physical therapists take the time to educate you on your injury, proper movement techniques, and preventive strategies to help you stay pain-free.
We encourage you to ask questions and stay engaged in your recovery journey. The more involved you are, the better your results will be!
Why Choose Emery Physical Therapy?
If you’re looking for high-quality physical therapy in Mt. Prospect, IL, or Oakbrook Terrace, IL, Emery Physical Therapy is the place to be.
✔ One-on-One, Personalized Care – We focus on hands-on therapy and individualized treatment for every patient.
✔ Experienced & Certified Therapists – Our team has extensive expertise in orthopedic rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, and sports therapy.
✔ Convenient Locations & Scheduling – With offices in Mt. Prospect & Oakbrook Terrace, we make it easy to fit PT into your busy life.
✔ Cutting-Edge Techniques – We utilize the latest evidence-based treatments to ensure optimal recovery outcomes.
Find out more about our services by visiting our physical therapy treatment page.
Start Your Journey to Pain-Free Living Today!
Your first physical therapy visit is the first step toward recovery and long-term wellness. At Emery Physical Therapy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way with expert care, personalized treatment plans, and a supportive environment.
📞 Call us today at (847) 786-2014 to schedule your first appointment.
💻 Visit www.emeryphysicaltherapy.com to learn more about our services and book online.
We look forward to helping you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free!