Walking into a physical therapy clinic for the first time, especially when you are already hurting, can feel uncertain. You do not know what to expect, you are not sure whether to push through the discomfort, and nobody told you what to bring. This article walks through what a first outpatient physical therapy visit generally involves, and what to ask the Prattville clinic or any Elite Rehab Solutions location before you go.
What happens before you even sit down with a therapist?
Elite Rehab Solutions’ patient forms page asks new patients to fill out the new patient paperwork along with the paperwork for the area being treated. You can download, print and complete the forms and bring them to your first visit. If you would rather fill them out at the office, the page asks you to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment. The home page also says “NO REFERRAL Required.”
When you book, ask the clinic what to bring and what to wear.
The evaluation
Every evaluation is tailored to the person, so ask your therapist to walk you through what they are checking and why. Elite Rehab Solutions describes its care as purpose driven, evidence based and individualized, and its home page says, “We’ll Listen to You & Provide a Personalized Treatment Plan.”
Building the treatment plan: what goes into it
The treatment approaches used at Elite Rehab Solutions include therapeutic exercise, stretching and strengthening, manual therapy, soft tissue massage, lumbar stabilization, rotator cuff programs, ultrasound, neuromuscular stimulation, TENS, heat and ice, and patient and posture education, among others. Which ones fit depends on your condition.
What to expect physically during and after that first session
If your symptoms change in a way that worries you between sessions, call your clinic or your doctor. For questions about your own situation, speak with your therapist rather than relying on general advice online.
A note for patients whose doctor sent them here
If your physician referred you, you can still book directly, and Elite Rehab Solutions lists pre and post operative rehabilitation among its services.
Physicians in the area who want to review the clinical research behind the treatment approaches used here can find condition specific literature references on the For Physicians page, organized by body area including low back, neck, shoulder, knee, hip, foot and ankle, and elbow.
Services available at Elite Rehab Solutions
Beyond the evaluation and core therapeutic exercise work, the practice offers a range of specialized programs. These include lower back pain rehab, neck pain rehab, shoulder rehab, knee pain rehab, foot and ankle rehab, arthritis programs, balance and fall prevention, dry needling, pelvic floor therapy, and worker’s comp care. The practice also carries a patient education library and an exercise programs page to support your recovery between visits.
Elite Rehab Solutions has clinics in Prattville, Holtville, Eclectic, Tuskegee, Tallassee, Hoover, Montgomery, Pike Road, Alexander City, Dadeville, Heflin, Phenix City, Roanoke, Valley and Wedowee. If you are not sure which location is closest or most convenient, the Locations page has addresses and phone numbers for every clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor’s referral before my first visit?
No. The home page says “NO REFERRAL Required,” so you can request an appointment directly.
What should I wear to my first physical therapy appointment?
Ask the clinic when you book.
What conditions does Elite Rehab Solutions treat?
The practice treats back and hip pain and sciatica, neck pain and pinched nerves, shoulder and rotator cuff problems, knee and hip injuries, foot and ankle diagnoses, muscle strains, ligament sprains, joint pain and arthritis, balance and dizziness disorders, nerve and neuromuscular conditions, post-surgical spine and joint rehab, elbow, wrist and hand pain, work related injuries, and more. If you are unsure whether your condition is a good fit, call your nearest clinic and ask.
Will my insurance cover physical therapy at Elite Rehab Solutions?
The practice accepts most insurances and also offers private pay options. Rather than guessing whether your specific plan is accepted, call the clinic or check with your insurer before you go.
How do I book an appointment at the Prattville clinic?
The Prattville clinic is located at 102 Medical Center Drive Suite G, Prattville, AL 36066. You can call (334) 239-0708 or visit the Prattville clinic page to request an appointment online. No referral is required to get started.
Sources
This article draws on the following pages.