How Frequently Should You Be Seeing A Physical Therapist?
Posted March 27, 2023
How Frequently Should You Be Seeing A Physical Therapist?
Initial Visit & Diagnosis
Your PT journey will begin with an initial visit with an experienced physical therapist. They will get to know you, inquire about your medical history and lifestyle, what type of work you are performing, and what type of activity you regularly do. At the first visit, your PT is trying to figure out what activities and factors in your daily life could be connected to your injury. After asking detailed questions about the nature of your injury, what makes it better or worse, and your symptom severity, they will conduct a thorough examination and explain what they think your injury is and how to treat it. You will be able to ask any questions you have and collaborate on how to move forward with developing a plan of care. They will make sure your treatment aligns with your personal goals.
How Many Times a Week Should You Visit Your Physical Therapist?
How frequently you should be doing physical therapy is determined by your physical therapist after your initial visit and diagnosis. They will typically have you begin physical therapy with two sessions per week. If upon initial assessment they determine you are higher risk, then they may have you start with three sessions per week. The physical therapist’s office will need to confirm that your insurance will provide coverage for three sessions per week as this isn’t always covered. Two to three physical therapy treatment sessions per week may seem like a lot initially, but this frequency of therapy has been proven to be the most effective to recover strength and mobility post surgery or injury.
You may be wondering how much time you will need to spend on your physical therapy rehabilitation. Your physical therapist will determine the length of your treatment as you progress through therapy. Everyone heals at a different rate, and the total time you will be doing therapy depends on how often you complete your home exercises. Your physical therapist will assign you a home program that you should do to maximize the effects of physical therapy. Your physical therapist will review those with you, but focus on other things in the clinic as well. In sessions, your physical therapist may perform manual therapy near your injury, including joint mobilization and soft tissue work to help with injury healing. They may also help educate you on what activities you should avoid or any lifestyle changes you should make to improve recovery. The goal of physical therapy is to determine the root cause of the symptoms and to determine the best path forward to getting you back to what you love. Once they find the root cause, your physical therapist will work closely with you to help resolve your issue as soon as possible.
How Long are Physical Therapy Sessions & How Long Does It Take?
Typically, physical therapy sessions take between half an hour to an hour. The length of this treatment is dependent on your progress and compliance with your physical therapist’s recommendations. On average, it can take around a few weeks to a few months to complete physical therapy treatment depending on severity and how consistent you are in your care. On average patients see their PT for about 10-12 visits, and you continue your exercises after physical therapy appointments are done.
If copays or costs are a concern your PT office will work with you on a plan that works for you.
How Often Should You be Doing Your PT Exercises
Your physical therapist will tell you how often, what type, when, and how many sets and repetitions to complete your exercises. These will be totally dependent on what you are trying to accomplish. For example, if you are working on activating muscles and range of motion, you should do exercises multiple times per day but if you are working on gaining muscle strength/mass, the frequency would be once per day or every other day. Your physical therapy will assess your progress and assign you appropriate new exercises as you go.
Start your physical therapy journey today at one of our physical therapy locations and let us help you get back to what you love.
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