Physical therapy can help improve strength, mobility and prevent future injuries. Most doctors prescribe a treatment plan that includes two to three physical therapy sessions per week.
The first appointment is called an evaluation. It consists of three parts: a subjective conversation about your pain or injury; an objective assessment; and a final diagnosis and explanation of your treatment plan.
How many sessions do I need?
During your initial evaluation, your therapist will be able to determine how often you need to come into the clinic to see results. They will create a schedule based on your diagnosis, and your personal lifestyle and schedule. They will also provide you with a home exercise program (HEP) so that you can continue to improve in between sessions.
Having HEP will help you avoid future injury and reduce pain or inflammation over time. Having a consistent routine at home, along with going to physical therapy, can shorten your recovery.
It is important to follow the schedule that La Clinica lays out for you. This will help you achieve your goals and feel better in the least amount of time. If you do not attend all of your sessions, it may take longer than expected to recover from your injuries. Your physical therapist will make sure that you are satisfied with your progress and can return to your daily activities at a comfortable level.
How often should I go to therapy?
In general, patients with more severe injuries and conditions benefit from treatment sessions that are 3x per week. The best therapists will take your specific lifestyle and medical history into consideration, so they can tailor a personalized plan that will help you reach your goals.
The first few therapy sessions will be the most intensive. Your therapist will perform 6-8 various exercises and stretches to promote strength, stability, range of motion, and pain relief.
Your physical therapist will also work with you to develop both short and long-term goals for your recovery and wellness, so they can create a customized treatment plan that will meet your needs.
It is important to be consistent and adhere to your therapist’s recommendations, as it has been shown that patient consistency is a significant predictor of outcomes. However, it is equally important not to overdo your treatment sessions as this could lead to more pain and injury. A good PT will find the perfect balance between therapeutic advancement and avoiding injury.
What should I expect during therapy?
After the initial evaluation, your physical therapist will help you set short-term and long-term goals. They will also spend time taking measurements of your posture, joint motion, and muscle strength. This will give them an idea of how the condition is impacting your lifestyle and the type of treatment you may need to address the problem.
Your PT will use their hands to feel on and around the area of pain or dysfunction. They may apply techniques like a dry needling (placing short needles in painful areas to stimulate the muscles) or other manual therapy. They will ask questions about your home and work environment, health habits and activity level, and leisure and sports activities.
During the follow-up sessions, your therapist will employ passive and active exercises to help you improve strength and mobility. They will also teach you stretches and other treatments to continue rehabilitation between sessions. The frequency of these sessions depends on your plan and reassessments occur throughout.
How long will my therapy sessions last?
The length of your sessions will vary and depend on the reason you are getting therapy. For example, a broken bone will take longer to heal than a shoulder injury.
Usually, in chicago physical therapy will want to see you 3-4 times a week until your pain is under control. Afterwards, the therapist may reduce your visit frequency as you progress. This is because a therapist will only recommend as many visits as necessary to reach your goals.
It is also important to keep in mind that you will need to perform stretches and exercises at home to complement the work done in the clinic.
The therapist will provide you with a individualized HEP (home exercise program) that will be essential to your recovery. The therapist will track your progress during treatment and make sure that you are on target to meet your goals. This will help them decide when it is time to stop physical therapy or continue with more sessions.
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