In certain health situations, such as constant muscle pain or following surgery, your physician may advise you to see a physical therapist. But if you have never attended a session with a physical therapist, what should you expect?
A physical therapist (PT) is someone who is medically trained in human anatomy and how it moves and works. The techniques that are used in a therapeutic session are performed to restore full function to an injured body part.
What Should I Wear to My Physical Therapy Session?
Keep in mind that your therapist will receive a file from your doctor about the part of your body that requires therapy. The physician will likely also share the results of any diagnostic imaging that was used to assess your injury or condition.
Therefore, when heading to your physical therapy session, wear comfortable clothing that permits ease of movement and allows the therapist access to the injured body part. If you’re going there from work, bring a change of clothes!
Suggested clothing is usually a loose T-shirt, shorts or sweatpants that permit access to the knee, and athletic shoes – no flip-flops or sandals. The therapist will test the limits of what you can achieve, such as how well you can bend your knee or the range of motion of the shoulder, so you don’t want to rip your clothing while performing these actions.
In addition to exercises, there are techniques called modalities that are designed to work hand-in-hand with physical therapy.
Modalities in Physical Therapy
Your physical therapist will give you physical tests to certify how well you move, reach, bend, grasp, etc. – all designed around the type of injury or pain issue. At the end of the therapy session, the therapist may give your injured body part a massage to get the blood flowing into the injured or painful area.
Each session of physical therapy usually lasts about an hour. The sessions will continue until the patient has met the goal set by both patient and doctor.
Goals of Your PT
The goals are to work and rework the recovering body part until you can handle your everyday routine and physical activity without feeling pain. Once you can perform the daily duties of your job, hobbies, and home life, then the therapy has succeeded.
Many people are often in a rush to get their physical therapy done and over with, but do not skip or miss PT appointments. It is harder to begin a new course of therapy than to complete an existing course.
If the goals set by the therapist are too easy – and many places are notorious for taking it easier on elderly patients – then the therapy isn’t really working. If you are recovering from surgery, the therapy exercises should center around exercises designed to strengthen your muscles, so be sure to follow them and not just go through the motions.
Skilled Physical Therapists in Austin, Texas
If you or someone you know needs physical therapy to overcome an injury, recover from surgery, or alleviate chronic pain, contact our team at Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness.
Call us at (512) 284-7192 or fill out our appointment request form now, and place yourself in the best-qualified hands in Austin!
