What to Expect

If you have experienced an injury or endured chronic pain, a great way to return to your pain-free life and the activities you enjoy is to work with a physical therapist who can help you improve your physical function. We’d like to give you a peek at what your physical therapy experience might look like, as well as give you some tips on how to get the most out of your time with us here at Desert Edge Physical Therapy in Peoria, Arizona.

Your Initial Evaluation

There is a lot to accomplish in your first visit with your therapist no matter if you live in Peoria, Sun City, or Vistancia. You will have an opportunity to give a brief description of your pain and its onset, activities that worsen or improve your condition, and share your goals you hope to accomplish in physical therapy. Your Peoria physical therapist will likely ask questions like . . .

How did your pain start? Was there an injury or did it start gradually?
How long have you been dealing with it?
How would you describe your pain? Is it dull, achy, sharp, stabbing, electric, burning, numb & tingly?
What types of activities bother you? What activities make it worse/better?

Once your therapist understands your problem, he will perform diagnostic tests and measures and then take time to educate you about your condition and offer a recommended treatment plan. Your therapist’s goal is to help you get back to the activities you love as quickly as possible. Given your condition, he may recommend a frequency of 2 or 3 times a week for a duration of 4, 6, or 8 weeks, or longer. If you will do your best to adhere to the recommended frequency and duration schedule, it is likely you will be pleased with the speed and results of your recovery! Our goal is to help you succeed in your goals and get you back to the activities you love without the pain!

Now that you have a treatment plan in place, you can begin treatment in your first visit which will likely include some form of manual therapy (stretching, soft tissue mobilization, active or passive range of motion, massage, etc), modalities (heat/ice, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, etc), and exercise. You will also receive a home exercise program designed specifically for you so you can progress in your rehabilitation quickly.

Your first visit will likely be your longest therapy appointment. The remainder of your visits will include regular treatment sessions including manual therapy, modalities, and exercise. Your therapist will be the sole provider of any manual therapy you receive. A clinical assistant will help you through your exercises and set you up on modalities as instructed by your therapist.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

Arrive to your initial evaluation early with your insurance card, driver’s license or state identification card, and the paperwork found here which includes your personal and insurance information, a health history and a description of the reason you are seeking physical therapy.
Arrive on time for all your treatment sessions. This is to ensure that you get all the time with your therapist that has been set aside for you and so that your treatment doesn’t encroach upon the time set aside for others.
In order to get your desired appointment times, schedule them far in advance, but give plenty of notice should you need to reschedule for any reason.
Dress in comfortable attire that allows you to move freely.
Communication is key! Share information clearly, concisely, and completely so your therapist understands your condition, it’s onset and triggers. Communicate any changes in your condition since your last visit. Make sure the details you share are pertinent to your condition and treatment.
Physical therapy can be a time-consuming process and is one that requires commitment. Treat yourself well by recognizing that you are worth the time, effort, cost, and sometimes even pain it takes to get well. Quality of life matters and you deserve to feel better!

We are excited to be part of your road to recovery! Let’s get moving!