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If your doctor has referred you to a physical therapist, you may be wondering what comes next. Depending on your specific injury or illness, this recommendation may have you feeling nervous or unsure. Here’s some information to give you a better idea of what to expect from your physical therapy sessions. 

FAQ About Physical Therapy

How does physical therapy treat pain?

Physical therapists are trained in finding and treating the source of your pain. They’ll evaluate your illness or injury to identify areas of stiffness or weakness that may be adding stress to your pain points. Then, they’ll treat those areas as needed through a variety of gentle stretches, low-impact aerobics, and strengthening exercises designed to ease your pain and help your overall movement and flexibility. 

Will it hurt?

physical therapyPhysical therapy should not hurt and will always be safe, but there may be times when you find it challenging. Because physical therapy requires movement and exercise on parts of your body that are injured or experiencing chronic pain, you may feel sore after a deep tissue massage or after performing more intensive stretching. Remember that your physical therapist's exercises are prescribed to treat your needs and that any discomfort you may experience is helping you to become stronger as your body recovers.

How long will a session last?

There’s no time limit for a physical therapy session. Your therapist will determine the length, depending on your treatment plan. In general, your primary evaluation will last for approximately one hour to ensure your physical therapist has adequate time to assess your condition. Follow-up appointments may vary in length, averaging 30-90 minutes or longer, as necessary. 

How will they measure my progress?

Your physical therapist will evaluate your progress at each session. They’ll establish a timeline for progress, depending on the complexity and severity of your illness or injury. They’ll reevaluate you once you’ve completed treatments for a set amount of time, comparing your most current session with the initial visit. Your physical therapist will then work with your referring physician to discuss progress and reevaluate any continued treatments, as needed. 

 

If you're recovering from an illness or injury, reach out to the experts at Step By Step Physical Therapy in Warsaw, NY. They have over 25 years of experience performing the latest in therapeutic technologies for patients from Wyoming County to Erie County. Their caring and professional staff will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your needs. Call (585) 786-8700 to schedule an exam or to learn more about their services.

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