Why the first visit is different
Your first visit is about getting to know you. Your pain, your history, your goals. Everything that follows is built on it.
If you want to understand what ongoing physical therapy looks like week to week, read our physical therapy overview. This page is only about day one.
What to bring to your evaluation
A little prep saves a lot of paperwork time. Here is your checklist:
- Your insurance card, if you are using insurance
- A photo ID
- Your doctor's prescription or referral, if you are using insurance. Physical therapy through insurance usually needs one
- Your claim number, if you were hurt in a car accident
- A list of the medications you take
- Comfortable clothes you can move in, like shorts or loose pants and a t shirt
- Any X-ray or MRI reports you have, if handy
Before you arrive
Using insurance? Call or text us ahead of time. We accept all major insurance plans, and we verify your benefits for you before your first visit, so you are not guessing. Your doctor can fax your prescription, X-ray reports, or MRI reports straight to us at (313) 921-6009. The insurance page explains more.
Hurt in a car accident? Michigan no fault auto insurance usually covers medically necessary physical therapy related to the accident. Bring your claim number and see our auto accident physical therapy page for what to expect.
What happens during the evaluation
It starts with a conversation. Your therapist asks where it hurts, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. They ask what you are having trouble doing. Climbing stairs? Sleeping through the night? Lifting your toddler? Getting back on the court?
Then your therapist looks at how you move. They may check your posture, how far you can bend and turn, your strength, and your balance. They may press gently on sore areas. Nothing is forced. If something hurts, say so.
Most evaluations also include some treatment on day one. That might be hands on work, gentle movement, or a few exercises. You will usually be on a padded treatment table or in our rehab gym area.
What your therapist is looking for
Your therapist is trying to answer one question. Why does this hurt, and what can we do about it?
Pain in one spot often comes from somewhere else. A sore knee may trace back to the hip. A stiff neck may trace back to how you sit at work. The evaluation connects those dots.
Your therapist is also checking for signs that you need a doctor first. Numbness that is spreading, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe unexplained pain, fever with back pain, or a recent major injury all mean medical care comes first.
What happens after
Before you leave, your therapist explains what they found in plain words and what they recommend. That plan might include ongoing physical therapy visits, exercises to do at home, and hands on services like massage, cupping, or muscle scraping if they fit.
You will not get a promise of a cure or a set number of visits. You will get an honest plan and a clear next step. Then you book your follow up at the front desk, online, or by phone.
Your investment and how to book
A physical therapy evaluation and treatment is $70 self pay. Using insurance? We will verify your benefits before you come in.
Tap the Book button for our online calendar, or call or text (313) 429-9079. We are at 835 Mason St, Suite A-245, 2nd Floor, Dearborn. Hours are Monday 9 AM to 3 PM, Tuesday to Friday 9 AM to 6 PM.
