Think back to a moment when you were about to meet someone who might become an important part of your life. Maybe it was a new college roommate, a colleague, or a relative you hadn’t seen in a while. You knew you’d be spending time with this person, but you weren’t quite sure what to expect. This can certainly stir up some anxiety.
The same thing often happens before your first physical therapy (PT) evaluation.
You're about to spend a significant amount of time with your therapist —2 to 3 hours a week— and naturally, you wonder if this person can truly help you. I'd like to share some insights into what your Morningside Heights physical therapist is thinking during that initial evaluation.
The Intake Process: Building a Foundation of Trust
When I receive your intake forms, the first thing I do is look at how you found your way to me. Were you referred by a family member, friend, or doctor who knows me well? If so, I know you already have some level of trust in my ability to help with our physical therapy services.
Trust is a crucial part of the therapist-client relationship, and knowing that someone you trust has recommended me gives us a positive head start.
During our first interaction, I pay close attention to your initial reaction. I can usually tell if you’ve had physical therapy before and whether or not it was a positive experience. If your past experience was less than ideal, I know I’ll need to work harder to explain my approach and how it will benefit you. Sometimes, this connection doesn’t happen right away, and that's okay. The most important goal of the first session is to build trust and rapport.
Setting Realistic Expectations for Rehabilitation
Honesty is key. If you come in with shoulder impingement, I might say, “I’ve seen this thousands of times in my career, and I’m confident you’ll get back to normal.” But if you come in with a chronic condition like plantar fasciitis, I’ll be straightforward: “Plantar fasciitis is one of the toughest conditions I treat, and the long-term success rate with PT is about 50/50.”
My goal isn’t to tell you what you want to hear but to set realistic expectations about what we can achieve together.
If you were referred to me by someone you trust, the evaluation often feels more comfortable for both of us. I can dive into treatment sooner, with less focus on earning your trust since someone else has already vouched for me.
Listening and Observing: Understanding Your Needs
As we start the evaluation, I let you talk. I’m listening not just to your words but also to the tone of your voice and your body language. What’s truly important to you? What led you to seek physical therapy?
Sometimes, you might have trouble articulating exactly what’s wrong. That’s okay. I encourage you to keep talking, and together, we’ll figure it out. Everyone wants to be heard, but the key is whether you trust me enough to open up fully.
While you’re describing your concerns, I’m assessing your needs. Do you need me to motivate you, or should I help you dial things back? For example, at our Broadway physical therapy clinic, we often work with Ivy League students who tend to be high achievers. These clients may need help embracing the “less is more” philosophy. Rest is just as important as effort, and sometimes more so.
Crafting Your Treatment Plan: A Collaborative Approach
By the end of our session, I’ll have a clear idea of how to approach your care. I’ll outline a plan, explaining how many sessions and weeks it might take to achieve a certain level of improvement. For instance, if you’re dealing with a shoulder issue, I might say, “My goal is to reduce your pain to less than 2 out of 10 and to help you reach overhead comfortably.”
I’ll also set some expectations for you: “You have two jobs in this relationship—do your exercises and show up to your appointments.” When you commit to these responsibilities, we can achieve significant progress.
Committing to Your Recovery
Working in physical therapy for so long has been incredibly rewarding, especially within the Upper Manhattan community. Despite my experience, I approach every day with you as if it’s Day One. My focus is on earning your trust, understanding your condition, and creating a personalized program that delivers results safely and effectively. Now, let's get to work!
Schedule Your First Evaluation Today
Ready to start your journey to recovery? Book an appointment with us today, and let’s begin your path to better health. We look forward to helping you reach your potential.
