Top Questions to Ask Your Physical Therapist

Before you start your physical therapy, you will likely want to ask some questions. Your physical therapist has answers for you, but you need to know which questions to ask. Some of the top questions you should ask your physical therapist are found below.

What type of physical therapy will be used for my condition?

Usually, your first appointment with a physical therapist will help to answer this question. They will likely ask you about your lifestyle, goals, the symptoms you are dealing with, and your medical history. A thorough physical exam is probably going to be a part of this first appointment, too.

Asking this question will give you a better idea of what to expect. There are several options your physical therapists might use, including:

• Balance training
• Massage
• Manual therapy
• Therapeutic exercises
• Pain modalities

The type of treatment will likely depend on why you are in physical therapy.

How often do I need to attend physical therapy?

It is best to find out how many times a week you will need to attend physical therapy sessions. Along with this question, you will likely want to know if you should be doing exercises on your own in between sessions. Typically, you will attend sessions once, twice, or three times a week, but it will depend on your condition. It’s also common for a physical therapist to give you exercises to complete at home.

How long will it take before I see results?

Physical therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Each injury or condition is treated differently, and each patient is different. How long it will take you to see results may depend on your age, physical health, and the condition or injury you are treating.

Your physical therapist might be able to give you an estimate of what to expect. However, it may take you longer or less time, depending on many different factors.

What will each session be like?

Knowing what to expect can help ease your fears when attending physical therapy sessions. The first session will likely include an assessment, but the rest of your sessions will be pretty similar. You should always find out what to expect, so it is not a surprise.

Will my physical therapy be painful?

Physical therapy should not hurt, but it is important to ask this question. You may feel some soreness from some of the methods of treatment. Your physical therapist can better explain what to expect when it comes to the pain or discomfort you might feel from an exercise or form of treatment.

Will you be able to accept my insurance?

Another important question to ask is whether or not your insurance will be accepted. If it’s not accepted or only covers part of the physical therapy, you need to prepare financially.

Before you start physical therapy, you want to make sure you know what to expect. Make sure you ask all the questions you might have. This can help to ease your mind and let you go into physical therapy without fear or worry.