Inside a PT Evaluation: What Happens During Your First Visit

Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Patient Education, Uncategorized on July 12, 2025

Physical therapist assessing a patient’s neck during first visit

If you’ve never been to physical therapy before, your first visit might feel a little intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. At Reform Physical Therapy, we’re here to walk you through every step so you feel confident, informed, and comfortable from the moment you walk through our doors.

Here’s what you can expect during your initial evaluation:

1. Checking In and Paperwork

When you arrive, our front desk team will greet you with a smile. You’ll be asked to complete any remaining intake forms (unless you filled them out ahead of time). These forms include your medical history, current symptoms, pain levels, and any past injuries or surgeries.

💡 Tip: We recommend arriving 15 minutes early for your first appointment.

2. A One-on-One Conversation With Your Physical Therapist

Your physical therapist will begin by reviewing your intake forms and asking questions to better understand your condition, goals, and lifestyle. This is your chance to explain how your pain or injury affects your day-to-day life—whether that’s lifting your kids, training for a race, or just walking without discomfort.

3. Physical Assessment

Next, your PT will guide you through a hands-on evaluation. This usually includes:

Posture assessment
Range of motion testing
Strength testing
Balance and gait analysis
Functional movement screening (like squatting, reaching, or walking)

This gives us a clear picture of how your body moves and what might be contributing to your pain or limitations.

4. Diagnosis & Goal Setting

Based on what they observe, your PT will explain their findings in a way that’s easy to understand. You’ll talk together about a diagnosis, short- and long-term goals, and how physical therapy can help you reach them.

5. Personalized Treatment Plan

Before your session ends, your therapist will introduce the start of your treatment—this could include gentle exercises, hands-on manual therapy, or pain-relief techniques like dry needling or cupping (depending on your needs).

You’ll also get a home exercise program (HEP) to begin your recovery journey outside the clinic.

6. What Happens Next?

Your therapist will recommend how often you should return for follow-up visits and book your next appointment. You’ll leave with a clear plan, tools to start healing, and a team cheering you on every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

Your first PT visit isn’t just about gathering information—it’s about building a partnership. At Reform Physical Therapy, we believe in empowering you with knowledge, personalized care, and support that goes beyond your time in the clinic.

Ready to take the first step toward feeling better? Contact us today to schedule your evaluation.