If you’ve been referred to a physical therapist for pain or injury, you may be feeling a mix of emotions. You want to feel better and return to the activities you enjoy, but you’re also unsure of what to expect during your first visit. Dr. Robert Stravinsky is a professional physical therapist practising at Professional Physical Therapy.
He has specialized experience treating patients with orthopedic injuries and focuses on helping them return to their desired activities with as little pain as possible. Here, we will discuss what you can expect from your first appointment with Dr. Stravinsky.
Assessment & Diagnosis
At your initial visit, Dr. Stravinsky will perform an assessment of your condition and make an individualized diagnosis tailored to your needs. This includes looking at your medical history, past treatments, mobility tests, strength tests, posture analysis, and more.
During this time, he will assess the area that needs treatment and determine the best course of action for restoring function and decreasing pain levels while preventing future injury or relapse. You should also expect some questions regarding lifestyle habits, such as sleep quality or diet, as they can both have an impact on recovery times and overall health.
Treatment Plan & Goals
Once a diagnosis has been made, Dr. Stravinsky will create a treatment plan that meets the goals identified by both him and his patient. This plan will include different interventions such as stretching exercises, manual therapy techniques like joint mobilizations or soft tissue massage, therapeutic exercises that target specific muscles groups or movement patterns, education about ergonomics or posture awareness during daily activities, advice on self-care practices such as foam rolling or heat/cold therapy; among others depending on your condition and goals.
Conclusion:
Having an understanding of what you can expect from your first visit should help alleviate any fear or uncertainty around starting physical therapy, so take some deep breaths and get ready for a positive start on the road toward recovery!