If you've never been to physical therapy, the first appointment can feel like a mystery. Here's exactly how it works at our Trenton clinic — no surprises.
Before you arrive
Download and complete your patient forms ahead of time — it saves fifteen minutes of clipboard work. Wear or bring clothes you can move in: shorts for a knee problem, a tank top or loose shirt for a shoulder. Bring your insurance card, your referral if you have one, and any imaging reports.
The evaluation: about an hour of detective work
Your first visit is mostly an evaluation, and it's the most important hour of your entire plan of care. Dr. Alaiwat will ask about your symptoms — when they started, what makes them better or worse, what they're stopping you from doing — and about your health history, work, and goals.
Then comes the physical exam: watching how you move, testing strength and joint motion, and using specific clinical tests to identify which structures are involved. This is where "my shoulder hurts" becomes "your rotator cuff is irritated because your shoulder blade isn't moving well" — a problem we can actually fix.
You'll be treated on day one
Evaluation isn't just measurement — most patients receive hands-on treatment and leave with two or three specific exercises the very first day. You'll also leave with an honest answer to the three questions everyone has: What's wrong? Can you fix it? How long will it take?
Your questions, answered honestly
Expect a clear plan: how many visits per week, what treatment will involve, and what milestones we're aiming for. If we think you need a physician's input first, or that PT isn't the right tool for your problem, we'll say so — and point you in the right direction.
Ready to get started? Request an appointment or call us at 734.307.3670.
This article is general education, not medical advice. For guidance on your specific situation, talk with your physician or schedule an evaluation.