What To Expect At Your First Physical Therapy Session

At your first visit, a physical therapist will perform an evaluation and talk with you about your condition.  The therapist then creates a physical therapy program based on your physician’s recommendations and the results of the evaluation.  The therapist takes into account your expectations and goals, your age and physical abilities.

If you are in pain at your first visit, you should expect the physical therapist to provide a treatment that gives you short-term pain relief.  To achieve this, your therapist may provide electrical stimulation, ultrasound, manual therapy such as soft tissue mobilization, and cold packs.  The therapist may also provide you with instructions in proper positioning to control your pain symptoms.

Exercise is almost always an important part of your program.  You will usually exercise in our gym and we will give you exercises to do at home.

Following your first visit, your therapist will send a report to your physician regarding your evaluation and program plan.  Before you return to your doctor, your therapist will send an updated report describing your progress in therapy. 

Each therapy session takes about one hour.  If you are coming for knee, ankle, shoulder or spine rehabilitation, your session may take a little longer in order to carry out your exercise program.
  

Common Conditions Treated at Milpitas Physical Therapy Clinic

Physical therapy rehabilitation programs may include post surgical rehabilitation for some of these conditions. (click on photo for a larger image)

Spine
	Strains and Sprains Degenerative Disc Disease Spondylolisis Spondylolisthesis Scoliosis Fractures Osteoarthritis Headaches
Hip
	Strains and Sprains Osteoarthritis Groin Strain Fractures
Shoulder
	Adhesive Capsulitis Rotator Cuff Tears Sprains and Strains Tendinitis Tendonosis Labral Tears Impingement Syndrome Repetitive Strain Injuries Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Knee and Leg
	Meniscal Tears Ligament Injuries Fractures Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears Chrondomalacia Tenditinis Plicae Syndrome Patellofemoral Syndrome
Elbow, Wrist, Hand
	Sprains and Strains Fractures Tendinitis Repetitive Strain Injuries Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Trigger Finger Contusions
Ankle and Foot
	Sprains and Strains Achilles Tendon Tendinitis Ankle Tendon Rupture Fractures Plantar Fascitis Bunions Contusions Neuromas

Specific Components Of A Physical Therapy Session

Modalities

Modalities are used to reduce pain and inflammation.  Common modalities used in physical therapy are:

Hot Packs, Cold Packs, Ultrasound
Hot packs, cold packs and ultrasound are heating and cooling agents that are used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and speed healing.  Modalities such as these can frequently be applied at home and are used in physical therapy as adjuncts to rehabilitation programs.
Electrical Stimulation
	Electrical stimulation is a method of treatment used to excite nerve and muscle tissue for  the purposes of acute or chronic pain relief, neuromuscular reeducation and prevention of disuse muscle atrophy.
Manual Therapy Manual therapy is a passive treatment technique that uses the therapist’s hands to move a mobile segment for the purposes of examination and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders such as muscle spasm, myofascial restriction and joint compression.  Common techniques used in therapy are:
Soft Tissue Mobilization
	Massage Joint Mobilization Cervical Traction Pelvic Traction Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
Exercise Training
	In our physical therapy practice, exercise training is the cornerstone of success in rehabilitation. Almost all of our patients receive some form of exercise training.  Exercise training is used to improve joint range of motion, strength, balance and endurance.  Exercise helps relieve pain and improve function. Patients routinely receive home exercise instructions as part of their rehabilitation program. Spine Stabilization Exercises Closed Chain Rehabilitation Exercises Assistive Gym Exercises Manual  Assistive Active and Resistive Exercises Proprioception Training Balance Training Endurance Training Functional Training and Lifting
Patient Education Teaching patients about their conditions and what to do to minimize their symptoms and maximize their function is an important part of each patient’s rehabilitation program.  All of our patients are taught how to control their symptoms and maximize their function.