New Patients
Do I need to bring anything?
Bring your proof of ID (driver’s license), insurance card (if applicable), any information the doctor may have given you that pertains to your injury or problem. This can be a referral, MRI or x-ray reports, post operative reports, or any other special instructions given to you regarding your injury.
Should I arrive early to fill out paperwork?
Yes, about 15 minutes early if you intend to complete the paperwork in the office. If you would like to complete forms ahead of time and submit electronically please click on the link on the website.
What should I wear?
That depends on what is being treated. Typically loose fitting clothing that will allow for you to modestly reveal the area of pain is the best. If we are treating a knee or thigh area, loose fitting shorts are very helpful. You can also bring them with you and change into them in our private bathroom. If it’s a shoulder area that we are treating a tank top or loose t-shirt is also helpful. Again, if you have anything specific to ask, don’t hesitate to call (239)992-6700.
Does it matter which shoes I wear?
Typically shoes that are comfortable for you to walk in and do some light exercise in are a good choice. Also shoes that are easy to remove if you are being treated for your foot or ankle. Of course, you are always able to bring running shoes or athletic shoes with you to change into if you think you may need them.
How long will my appointment take?
Your first appointment, called an initial evaluation, will usually take an hour with the physical therapist. In this initial evaluation with the physical therapist we talk about your case, take measurements for joint motion, strength and do any clinical test appropriate for your case to help identify the tissue(s) responsible for your problem. We also formulate goals that will determine if you had a successful physical therapy experience. Follow up appointments are usually 45 minutes to an hour.
Will I get treatment the first day?
Yes! We will treat you and give you an exercise program (with pictures and descriptions) and have all the equipment (for purchase) you’ll need so you can perform them at home. This will complement the hands on portion of our treatment plan very nicely. The exercises also help further identify what may be causing your problem. So it may be a good idea to keep a record of what exercises help or hurt your problem after the first visit.
How often will I need to return to physical therapy?
That will depend on several things. It will depend on what your doctor recommended and what we recommend based on our evaluation. Typically doctors recommend 2-3 visits each week for 4-8 weeks, or 8-24 visits.
Approximately, every 10 visits or 30 days we will send a progress note to your physician. This is where we re-evaluate the measures we took in our initial evaluation (first visit) to see the progress made. If you are where you want to be and have achieved your therapy goals then you are ready for discharge to continue at home with your home program (we strive to make this happen). If you are making progress but aren’t quite where you want to be with your improvement we recommend you continue another round of physical therapy (more common with more complex issues). In the event you are just not getting better, you will be referred to your doctor to pursue more aggressive treatment options (we hope this doesn’t happen, but unfortunately we can’t fix everyone as fast as they want to be fixed).
P.S. We are here for you. We are with you every step of the way. Keeping you informed and comfortable is of the utmost importance. From knowing how the therapy will progress to understanding how the billing process works with your insurance to making you feel comfortable with the care you are receiving. Don’t hesitate to call, we would love to answer any questions you may have. We would love to hear from you.
Our dedicated team of experts is committed to providing personalized care that goes beyond alleviating symptoms. We delve deep to understand the unique aspects of your pain, tailoring solutions that empower you to reclaim a life of mobility and well-being. Say goodbye to the limitations of pain and hello to a future where every step is taken with ease.
New Patient Forms
Download & Print
New patients can save time during their first appointment by completing the New Patient Forms prior to their visit. Simply print or fill out the following forms, fill in the information requested, and scan (or take a photo of them).
*New patients can save time during their first appointment by completing the New Patient Forms prior to their visit. Simply print or fill out the following forms, fill in the information requested, and scan (or take a photo of them).