At your first physical or occupational therapy visit, your therapist will review your medical history and do a physical evaluation. Depending on your diagnosis or symptoms, your therapist may evaluate your flexibility, strength, balance, coordination and posture. The therapist will work with you to decide on your goals for therapy and to begin planning your treatment. You may or may not begin your actual therapy at the first visit.
In most cases, part of your therapy will be education. Your therapist may teach you about a home exercise program, proper body mechanics, and the use of any special equipment you may need. He or she will then periodically check on how well you are transferring the skills you learn in therapy to your daily life.
Your physical therapist will continually reassess your progress toward your treatment goals. He or she will work with you and your doctors to plan for your discharge from therapy.