Have you recently started working with a physical therapist or are you considering doing so? It’s important to have clear goals in mind when working with a physical therapist, but it can be difficult to know what questions to ask to help you achieve those goals. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing essential questions to ask your physical therapist to ensure you’re on the right track toward achieving your goals. We’ll also explain why it’s important to ask these questions, and how they can help you get the most out of your physical therapy sessions.
Questions to Ask A Physical Therapist
What are my specific treatment goals?
It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve from your physical therapy sessions. Ask your physical therapist what specific goals they have set for you, and how they relate to your overall recovery plan. Your therapist will discuss the treatment plan with you at the initial evaluation. Understanding your goals from the outset can help make sure you’re working towards the outcomes you’re looking for.
What is the expected time frame for achieving these goals?
Ask your physical therapist about the approximate length of time it should take for you to achieve your specific goals. This will help you manage your expectations and set realistic timelines.
What should I do before and after each physical therapy session?
It’s important to understand what you should be doing before and after each physical therapy session in order to maximize the benefits. Ask your therapist for specific instructions regarding stretches, exercises, or other activities that will help support your progress.
What exercises or activities should I be doing at home?
To get the maximum benefit from your physical therapy sessions, it’s important to continue with exercises and activities outside of the clinic. Ask your physical therapist what exercises or activities you should be doing at home, and how often you should be doing them. Make sure you understand the correct technique for each exercise to help avoid injury. By faithfully performing your home exercises, you may recover faster.
What should I do if I experience pain or discomfort during a session?
It’s not uncommon to experience some discomfort during physical therapy sessions. However, it’s important to understand what pain level is expected and what is not. Ask your physical therapist what to do if you experience pain or discomfort during a session, and what steps can be taken to manage it.
How can I track my progress?
Keeping track of your progress can help motivate you to continue with your physical therapy routine. Ask your physical therapist what measures will be used to track your progress, and how often these will be assessed. This will help ensure that you’re on track toward achieving your goals and can feel confident in your progress.
How often will I need to see my physical therapist?
Your physical therapists will be able to advise you on how often you need to come in for sessions. Depending on the type of injury or condition, this may range from weekly visits to every few months. Generally speaking, most people find that regular visits help them achieve their goals more quickly, as they keep up with their therapy program and make progress.
In conclusion, there are several essential questions to ask your physical therapist to ensure that you’re on track toward achieving your goals. Understanding your specific treatment goals, expected time frame, recommended exercises and activities to do at home, managing any pain or discomfort, and how to track your progress are all important to ensure that you’re making progress. Asking these questions and clearly understanding your goals ensures you get the most out of your physical therapy sessions. We hope that these questions will help you to feel informed and empowered throughout your physical therapy journey.
If you have any questions about physical therapy or want to explore how we can assist you in your journey to wellness, reach out to us today to schedule an evaluation and get the answers you need. Our expert team of physical therapists is here to help you!
