WHAT TO EXPECT FROM

PHYSICAL THERAPY

The initial focus of physical therapy will be to help you transition to home. This will likely include transfer and mobility training, education on topics important for health and safety, and exercise to maximize your independence.

Initial Goals of Outpatient Physical Therapy -

Goals of physical therapy are highly individualized and your physical therapist will work with you to develop goals that are personal and important to you. Generally, goals will be focused on:

  • Strength, mobility, and coordination

  • Improving functional independence (including transfers, wheelchair mobility, and activities of daily living)

  • Preventing complications (including pressure sores, infections, contractures)

  • Adapting to being home

Physical Therapy Treatment -

The first day of physical therapy will be an evaluation. This will include a subjective history (details about your injury, home layout, available support, medications, and other medical history), a physical examination of extremities, and evaluation of current functional strength mobility, and independence. The evaluation will also focus on goal setting and designing a plan of care tailored to your needs and preferences. There will be monthly re-evaluations to track progress, update goals, and ensure that your needs are being met.

Following the evaluation, subsequent sessions will focus on treatment. This will include therapeutic exercise, functional mobility, balance, and other therapeutic activities. During this time you or your therapist may choose to involve caregivers so that they may receive the necessary training and education to keep you safe at home.

At any time during treatment, your therapist can make recommendations to your referring doctor regarding continued care or the involvement of other rehabilitative specialties such as occupational or speech therapy.