What to Expect During Your First Week of Physical Therapy

Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Patient Education & Recovery Guides, Physical Therapy Tips on November 3, 2025

New to PT? Here’s What Happens First

Walking into physical therapy for the first time can feel a little uncertain. Will it hurt? What will they make me do? How long will it take to feel better?
At Reform Physical Therapy, we want your first week to feel empowering, not intimidating. From your initial evaluation to your first few sessions, our therapists make sure you understand your treatment plan and feel confident every step of the way.

Day 1: The Evaluation

Your first visit focuses on getting to know you.
A licensed physical therapist will:

Review your medical history and current symptoms.
Ask about your goals — whether that’s returning to a sport, lifting your grandkids, or simply moving without pain.
Perform a physical assessment that may include strength, range-of-motion, posture, and balance testing.

What to Expect

Your PT will explain what’s causing your pain or limitation, outline your recovery plan, and show you a few gentle exercises to start right away. Most patients leave this first session already feeling more hopeful and in control.

Patient learning mobility and strengthening exercises with PT guidance at Reform PT Maine.

Day 2–3: Learning the Basics

Early sessions are about education and movement re-training. You’ll start performing targeted exercises designed to reduce pain and restore mobility.

Common Focus Areas

Stretching and mobility work to improve flexibility.
Light strengthening to wake up weak or under-used muscles.
Manual therapy (hands-on treatment) to reduce stiffness or swelling.

Your therapist will coach you through every exercise to ensure proper form and avoid overdoing it.
It’s normal to feel mild soreness — it’s a sign your body is starting to adapt.

Day 4–5: Building Confidence

By the end of your first week, you’ll notice that you understand your exercises better and feel more comfortable in the clinic.

Your PT may progress your program slightly by adding new movements or increasing resistance. They’ll also review your home exercise program (HEP) — the simple at-home stretches and strengthening drills that help speed up recovery.

Consistency is key: patients who do their HEP daily often see faster, longer-lasting results.

Communication Is Everything

The best outcomes come from open communication. Tell your therapist if you experience pain, fatigue, or any new symptoms — adjustments are part of the process.

At Reform PT, we believe physical therapy is teamwork. Our therapists guide and motivate you, but your feedback shapes your care plan.

By the End of Week 1

You’ll leave your first week understanding:

The root cause of your pain or limitation.
What each exercise is doing for your body.
How to perform your home routine safely.
What milestones you’ll be working toward in the coming weeks.

Many patients feel more hopeful, mobile, and informed after just a few sessions. It’s the beginning of your journey toward stronger, pain-free movement.

Physical therapist providing one-on-one support and home exercise guidance.

Your Recovery Starts Here

Starting physical therapy is an investment in your long-term health.
At Reform Physical Therapy, our one-on-one approach ensures you get personalized care and a clear plan to reach your goals.

👉 Book your first appointment today and take the first step toward moving — and feeling — better.