Frequently Asked Questions

When preparing for your physical therapy evaluation please bring your completed New Patient Registration form, insurance card, and drivers license. If you have a physical therapy order from your referring provider, be sure to bring that as well. (note: a referral is not required – see Direct Access information)

We recommend that you bring or come dressed in comfortable “workout” attire as physical therapy is an active process that is easier in clothes that don’t restrict movement. This may include athletic shorts, sweatpants or leggings, t-shirt/tank top, and sneakers. For your convenience we have clean locker rooms available for changing and storing your belongings.

At VTFC, our approach to patient care is different than most physical therapy practices. Where we differ is that we dedicate one full hour with each patient at each visit. These appointments are one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist.

We respect your time as we hope you do ours. Please allow yourself a few extra minutes to get checked in before your appointment time. It will maximize the scheduled time with your therapist to progress in your treatment plan.

Each patient’s physical therapy requirements are unique, depending on their condition and pain. At the initial evaluation, your physical therapist will work with you to convey expectations and a custom treatment plan. To ensure consistency of care and progress in healing, we recommend scheduling the suggested number of appointments at the onset of your treatment. By doing so, you will avoid interruptions in care, thus impeding your course of healing.

Your physical therapist will begin with a conversation about your medical history and how this led to you coming to therapy. He/she will also be interested to hear bout your goals for recovery. After listening to your subjective report the therapist will take you through a comprehensive exam of your body to identify any objective measures that may be causing or contributing to your symptoms. Then your therapist may begin treatment and will finish with creating a customized treatment plan. Be sure to ask any questions you may have and make sure you are clear on the expectations moving forward.  

Since you are coming to visit us for pain relief, our goal is to make you comfortable! Depending on what brings you into physical therapy you can expect your physical therapist to help you leave feeling better than when you arrived.  Part of the evaluation process involves trying to provoke symptoms but usually if your therapist can provoke symptoms they can also teach you how to improve symptoms quickly thereafter.

Physical therapy usually begins two weeks after surgery but can be sooner depending on the surgery and how you are feeling.  Aquatic therapy can begin once incisions have closed as to avoid any potential infection or incision irritation.