What Happens During Your First Physical Therapy Visit?
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Patient Education on December 22, 2025
Starting your first physical therapy visit can feel overwhelming if you are not sure what to expect. Many patients ask the same question before their appointment: What happens during a physical therapy evaluation? A physical therapy evaluation is the first step in understanding your pain, movement, and goals. It allows your physical therapist to create a personalized treatment plan designed to help you move better and feel better as safely as possible.
What Is a Physical Therapy Evaluation?
A physical therapy evaluation is a one-on-one appointment where your physical therapist learns about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. This visit focuses on understanding the root cause of your pain or movement issues, not just where it hurts. The evaluation gives your therapist the information needed to design a plan that fits your body, lifestyle, and goals.
Discussing Your Medical History and Symptoms
Your evaluation usually begins with a conversation. Your physical therapist will ask questions about your current pain, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. They may also ask about past injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions.
This discussion helps your therapist understand patterns in your symptoms and how they impact your daily activities, work, or hobbies.
Movement and Physical Assessment
After discussing your history, your therapist will guide you through a physical assessment. This may include observing how you stand, walk, bend, or reach. They may test your strength, flexibility, balance, and joint movement. These tests help identify areas of weakness, stiffness, or poor movement patterns that could be contributing to pain or injury.
Identifying the Root Cause of Pain
Physical therapy looks beyond symptoms to find the cause of the problem. Pain in one area may be linked to weakness or limited movement elsewhere in the body. Your therapist uses the evaluation to connect these pieces and explain what is happening in a way that is easy to understand. This helps you feel more confident and informed about your care.
Creating Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Once the evaluation is complete, your physical therapist creates a treatment plan based on your findings and goals. This plan may include exercises, hands-on techniques, education, and movement strategies. The plan is tailored specifically to you and adjusted as you progress. Your therapist will explain what the plan involves and how it supports recovery.
Will Treatment Start During the First Visit?
In many cases, treatment begins during the evaluation. This may include gentle exercises, stretches, or hands-on care to reduce pain and improve movement. Starting treatment early helps you feel progress right away and sets the foundation for future visits.
What to Wear and Bring to Your Evaluation
Wearing comfortable clothing allows your therapist to assess movement more easily. Athletic shoes or sneakers are often recommended. You may also want to bring your insurance information, referral if required, and any relevant medical records or imaging reports.
How Long Does a Physical Therapy Evaluation Take?
A physical therapy evaluation typically lasts longer than a regular session. This allows enough time for discussion, assessment, and education. The goal is not to rush but to fully understand your needs and create a strong plan for recovery.
How Reform Physical Therapy Approaches Evaluations
At Reform Physical Therapy, evaluations are one-on-one and patient-focused. Our therapists take the time to listen, assess movement thoroughly, and answer questions. We believe understanding your body and your goals is essential for long-term success. Each evaluation is designed to build trust and confidence from day one.
When to Schedule a Physical Therapy Evaluation
If pain, stiffness, weakness, or balance issues are affecting your daily life, it may be time to schedule an evaluation. Early care often leads to faster recovery and better outcomes. You do not need to wait until pain becomes severe to seek help.
Not sure what to expect from physical therapy?
Schedule a physical therapy evaluation with Reform Physical Therapy and take the first step toward moving better and feeling stronger.