What should I expect on the first visit?
Dress comfortably - bring loose clothing, preferably shorts, t-shirt, and gym shoes. We can provide lockers for your convenience. On your first visit expect a thorough initial evaluation where you will discuss your ailment in confidence and privacy with your physical therapist. You should feel comfortable discussing your specific problems and desired treatment goals with any of our therapists, and our therapists will work with you to custom-design a plan of treatment with your goals in mind.
You should expect to spend at least an hour with a licensed physical therapist for your initial visit to Indy Physical Therapy. You will receive a thorough medical history and physical examination to make sure that your condition can be helped through physical therapy.
After reviewing your medical history, your physical therapist will perform specific tests in order to assess any or all of the following aspects of your health: gait, strength, range of motion, flexibility, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, cardiovascular endurance, & overall functional ability.
What is Physical Therapy?
Patients may be referred to physical therapy for various reasons or conditions. Most often, physical therapy may be recommended to address musculoskeletal injuries or pain. Physical therapists may use a variety of treatment modalities which may reduce or control pain. Physical agents which may be used to relieve pain or swelling may include any of the following: electrical stimulation, ultrasound, hot or cold packs, and cervical or lumbar traction. Therapists may also use specific manual techniques, joint mobilization, or deep-tissue massage to relieve pain.
In addition, and perhaps more importantly, physical therapy treatment should address any functional limitations which may impair an individual's ability to perform their normal daily activities or recreational activities. (for example, following surgery, prolonged illness, immobilization, or following auto accidents)
Physical therapy treatment should include specific, custom-designed exercise to address physical deficits such as lack of flexibility, strength, or endurance. Physical therapists encourage patients to use their own muscles to increase their flexibility and range of motion before finally advancing to other exercises that improve strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. The goal is to improve how an individual functions at work and at home.
Therapists also teach patients to use assistive and adaptive devices, such as crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs. They also may show patients exercises to do at home to expedite their recovery. Physical therapists can also play a major role in determining patients' ability to be independent and/or reintegrate into the community or workplace following injury or illness.
Who are Physical Therapists?
Physical Therapists are medical professionals who have completed extensive education and typically hold bachelors, masters, and more recently, doctoral degrees. All physical therapists must pass a rigorous examination in order to earn the license to practice the art of physical therapy.
Physical Therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health.