Your First Visit: What to Know
If you’ve never been to a physical therapist before, it’s completely normal to feel uncertain about what to expect. At The Back Clinic, we want every patient to feel comfortable and informed from the moment they walk through our doors. Here’s a detailed look at what your first visit will involve.
Before You Arrive
When you schedule your evaluation, our staff will let you know what to bring — typically your insurance card, a photo ID, and any relevant medical records or imaging results. Wear comfortable clothing that allows your therapist to assess the area of concern. If your pain is in your knee, for example, shorts are helpful. For a shoulder issue, a tank top or loose-fitting shirt works well.
If you have paperwork to complete, we’ll send it ahead of time so you can fill it out before your appointment. This gives us more time to focus on you during the visit itself.
The Evaluation
Your first appointment is typically 45–60 minutes and is entirely one-on-one with your physical therapist. This isn’t a rushed check-in — it’s a thorough evaluation designed to understand your condition and your goals.
Health History Review
Your therapist will start by asking about your symptoms, how and when they started, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your daily life. They’ll also review your medical history, including any prior surgeries, injuries, or conditions.
Physical Assessment
Next comes the hands-on evaluation. Depending on your condition, your therapist may assess your range of motion, strength, flexibility, balance, posture, and movement patterns. They may also perform specific tests to identify the source of your symptoms — for example, checking for nerve involvement, joint restrictions, or muscle imbalances.
Your Treatment Plan
Based on what they find, your therapist will explain their assessment in clear, straightforward terms. They’ll outline a plan of care — including how often you should come in, what treatments they recommend, and what goals you’ll work toward together. You’ll also receive exercises or strategies you can start using right away at home.
What Makes The Back Clinic Different
At many clinics, you might see a different therapist each visit, or share your session time with other patients. At The Back Clinic, every session is one-on-one with the same therapist. This means your therapist knows your history, tracks your progress, and adjusts your treatment in real time — not from notes someone else wrote.
We’re also a therapist-owned practice, which means clinical decisions are made by clinicians, not administrators. This has been our approach for more than 40 years, and it’s why our patients see results.
Ready to Get Started?
There’s no need to wait when you’re in pain. Call us at (302) 998-4477 or schedule your evaluation online. We’ll take it from there.
