Preparing for Your First Physical Therapy Appointment.

Getting ready for your first physical therapy appointment at MedStar Health can help you feel confident and prepared to start your care. During your visit, our therapists will talk with you about your condition and goals, then guide you through an assessment to see how you move and what you need. Many people wonder what happens during their first PT appointment, so we’ll explain each step clearly. You’ll learn what to expect, how to make the most of your time, and how your custom care plan will help you make steady progress toward your goals. We’ll also let you know how long your appointment will take so you can plan ahead.

What to Bring to Your First Appointment.

Coming prepared helps your physical therapy evaluation go smoothly. Please bring your insurance card(s), any referral or authorization if needed, and a photo ID. It’s also helpful to bring a list of your current medications—including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements—as well as any allergies, past surgeries, or important medical history. This information helps your therapist create a safe and effective care plan.

If you have test results related to your condition—like X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, EMG/nerve studies, or lab work—bring copies or digital access information. If your tests were done within MedStar Health, we can usually find them in your electronic record.

You can also bring any braces, orthotics, or assistive devices you use, such as a cane or walker. Many patients find it helpful to write down questions or goals before their visit—like which activities they want to get back to, movements that are hard, or when symptoms feel worse. This preparation helps your therapy team focus on what matters most to you.

What to Wear for Comfort and Easy Movement.

Comfortable, athletic-style clothing makes it easier for your therapist to evaluate movement and provide care. We recommend T-shirts or athletic tops with shorts, sweatpants, yoga pants, or athletic leggings. Choose breathable fabrics that allow a full range of motion. If your care will focus on the lower body (hip, knee, ankle), wear shorts or loose trousers that can be rolled above the knee. For upper body needs (shoulder, elbow, neck, back), select a short-sleeve or sleeveless top for easy access.

Supportive, closed-toe athletic or walking shoes with good traction are best, especially for balance or gait training. Avoid open-toed sandals, flip-flops, high heels, and dress shoes. Bring orthotics if you use them, and wear shoes that accommodate them well. Avoid restrictive clothing, such as stiff jeans, very tight leggings, shapewear, or tops with rigid materials, as these can limit movement or make positioning uncomfortable. 

Simple Habits to Optimize Your Visit.

Small steps can make your first PT session more comfortable. Eat a balanced meal one to two hours before therapy and drink water to stay hydrated. If you take medications that affect pain, inflammation, or muscle function, follow your clinician’s guidance and timing. Avoid drugs and/or alcohol beforehand, and limit high-sugar snacks right before your appointment.

If you’re coming from work, consider bringing a change of clothes and supportive footwear. Arrive five minutes early to allow time for forms, insurance verification, and a calm start to your PT evaluation. These simple habits support preparing for your first physical therapy appointment and can help you feel settled from the moment you check in.

Understanding Your Initial Assessment.

During your initial physical therapy visit at MedStar Health, your therapist will discuss your symptoms, activity level, and goals. The therapist will perform a thorough examination to find the underlying source of your symptoms. You may be tested on posture and gait, range of motion, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Your therapist may also palpate joints or soft tissue, and use functional tests, such as sit-to-stand or reach tasks, to see how your condition affects everyday life. 

Open communication is encouraged. Please share where you feel discomfort, how symptoms change over time, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your work or daily activities.

Important Symptoms to Share Right Away.

Your safety is our top priority. Please report any concerning symptoms, before or during your visit, such as:

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

• Severe headache

• Blurred vision

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Nausea

• Upset stomach

• Excessive fatigue

Your therapist will decide whether to continue therapy, modify activities, or recommend urgent evaluation. Sharing changes in how you feel helps us keep your care safe and responsive.

Setting Goals Together.

Goal setting is a collaborative part of physical therapy at MedStar Health. Your therapist will listen carefully, review your medical history, and use the PT evaluation to prioritize what matters most—reducing pain, improving mobility, returning to work or sport, or enhancing daily function. We’ll outline steps you can take at home and in the clinic, and we’ll discuss pacing, ergonomics, and activity modifications that fit your lifestyle.

Examples of short-term goals may include reducing pain levels, improving shoulder range of motion, walking comfortably for set intervals, or completing your home exercises consistently. Long-term goals can focus on returning to jogging, lifting safely for work, climbing stairs without limitation, or resuming recreational activities. Together, we’ll clarify expectations so you understand your timeline and commitment.

What to Expect During Your First Session.

After check-in, your therapist will complete your PT evaluation and explain the findings in plain language. Treatment often begins at the first visit and may include manual therapy to improve joint and soft tissue mobility, therapeutic exercises to build strength and flexibility, neuromuscular re-education for posture and balance, and practical education on body mechanics. If appropriate, your plan may incorporate heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound as part of an integrated approach.

We will demonstrate each exercise, ensure you feel comfortable, and provide a home program to reinforce progress between sessions. We’ll discuss how long and how often is right for you, and recommend follow-ups at regular intervals tailored to your goals.

After Your First Appointment: Next Steps.

Before you leave, we’ll outline a personalized plan with goals, recommended frequency, and progression strategies, and deliver a home exercise program. Some patients need only a few visits, while others benefit from therapy over a longer period; your path is unique to you. We’ll help you book follow-ups so scheduling is simple and clear.

Between sessions, follow your home exercises carefully and focus on proper form. Create a safe, clutter-free space and set reminders to support consistency. If an exercise causes sharp pain, or you notice new symptoms, contact your therapist. Keeping a brief log noting energy, soreness, mobility, and sleep can help us refine your plan and make each visit more effective.

Why Choose MedStar Health.

MedStar Health is a trusted leader in rehabilitation care across the region. Our compassionate teams provide evidence-informed treatment, coordinated support, and practical strategies you can use at home and work. From preparing for your first physical therapy appointment to celebrating milestones along the way, we prioritize safety, clear communication, and meaningful goals. With expert PT assessments, personalized plans, and consistent guidance, we make it easier to understand your care and stay engaged.

We’re here to help you restore function, relieve pain, and return to the activities that matter most, starting with your first physical therapy visit. If you have questions about physical therapy, the PT evaluation process, or scheduling, our reassuring team is ready to support you at every step.