byAlma Abell
Your first session of Physical Therapy in Honolulu might leave you feeling anxious or scared, but you have nothing to worry about. While physical therapy can be physically demanding, it is designed to be therapeutic and helpful, so you do not need to worry about how that first session will go.
During your first session of Physical Therapy in Honolulu, your therapist will get to know you and your physical condition. He or she will talk with you about your injury or illness, then describe the goal of the therapy as well as the types of treatments you will receive during this process.
Remember that a physical therapy session is a give and take experience. While your therapist will probably have plenty of questions for you, it is perfectly acceptable to ask a few questions of your own. Let your therapist know if you are apprehensive about any aspect of the therapy so he or she can take special care to guide you through it.
The specific format of a first physical therapy session depends on the patient and the indicated treatment. For example, when recovering from surgery on a broken bone, you might spent 10-15 minutes in a whirlpool or other water massage device to help improve circulation and muscle tone. This might be followed by a few exercises to help you use that part of your body again.
In other cases, you might start your first session with professional massage or with a specific type of exercise that your therapist deems appropriate. If you do not feel comfortable with the pace of therapy, tell your therapist immediately so you can discuss your concerns.
You might have to fill out paperwork during the first session. It is similar to visiting a physician for the first time, as your therapist needs to know about your medical history, medications, and other important data to design an effective treatment program.
When you are injured in any way, physical therapy is one of the best ways to restore strength, flexibility, range of motion, and other aspects of your physical ability. Visit Portner Orthopedic on the web or in person to learn about physical therapy programs and options for your recovery.