What to Expect During Your First Physical Therapy Session in Woburn
New to PT? Learn exactly what to expect during your first physical therapy session at Athletic Evolution Woburn. Personalized care starts here.
Starting physical therapy for the first time? Whether you're recovering from surgery, rehabbing an injury, or managing long-term pain, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to expect.
At Athletic Evolution Woburn, we specialize in personalized, athlete-focused physical therapy that’s tailored to your body, your sport, and your goals. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what happens during your first PT session, so you can arrive feeling confident, prepared, and ready to get better.
Why the First Session Matters
Your first physical therapy appointment isn’t just an introduction—it’s the
foundation for your entire rehab journey. It’s where we:
- Understand your injury or concern
- Set goals together
- Create a personalized plan of care
- Establish trust and communication
We treat this session with as much importance as any other—because getting the details right up front leads to better outcomes and faster progress.
What to Bring
To help your session go smoothly, we recommend bringing the following:
- Comfortable athletic clothing and sneakers
- Any relevant medical records, surgical notes, or doctor’s recommendations
- Your health insurance information (if using insurance)
- A water bottle
- A list of current medications (if applicable)
- A positive mindset—we’re here to support you
If you're under 18, a parent or guardian should accompany you to this first visit.
The Welcome & Intake Process
When you arrive at
800 West Cummings Park, Suite 1550, you'll be welcomed by our team and asked to complete a brief intake form (if not done in advance online). This includes information about your:
- Injury history
- Pain levels
- Movement limitations
- Daily activities and hobbies
- Athletic or performance goals
- Previous treatments or therapy attempts
This helps your therapist get the full picture—because understanding your lifestyle is key to crafting an effective plan.
Evaluation with Your Physical Therapist
Your initial evaluation is a 1-on-1 session with one of our licensed physical therapists. It typically lasts 45–60 minutes and includes:
1. Review of Your Medical History & Goals
We’ll ask detailed questions about your:
- Current symptoms
- Pain triggers and thresholds
- Previous injuries or surgeries
- Daily routines, sport involvement, or job duties
- Personal goals—short-term and long-term
Whether you want to walk without pain, return to competitive soccer, or simply play with your kids again, we structure everything around your
desired outcome.
2. Physical Assessment
Your therapist will assess:
- Range of motion
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Posture and gait
- Balance and stability
- Joint integrity and muscle activation
If appropriate, we may also perform
functional movement testing, including squats, lunges, single-leg stability, or hop tests. Everything is done
at your pace and comfort level.
Building Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on the evaluation, your therapist will outline:
- A working diagnosis (if not already confirmed)
- Your movement or strength deficits
- A phased rehab plan
- Recommended treatment frequency (e.g., 2x/week)
- Initial home exercises to begin right away
- Short-term and long-term goals
Your plan will be completely customized, with progressions built around your specific activity level, age, and performance goals.
For athletes, we often incorporate sport-specific movements from the start to ensure a smooth return-to-play timeline.
You’ll Likely Begin Treatment on Day One
Yes—you’ll almost always
begin treatment during your first session.
Depending on your condition, this may include:
- Soft tissue work or joint mobilization
- Guided stretching
- Core activation drills
- Resistance band or light weight exercises
- Breathing techniques and neuromuscular control
- Education on movement habits, posture, or pain management
Our goal is for you to leave feeling better, more informed, and more confident in your recovery.
What Happens After the First Visit?
After your first session, you’ll be given:
- A customized home exercise plan (HEP)
- Recommended follow-up schedule
- Clear expectations for the next 2–4 weeks
- Access to your therapist for ongoing questions or support
You can also schedule future sessions at a frequency that works for your schedule—we offer early morning, evening, and weekend availability.
FAQs
Q: How long is the first session?
Typically 45–60 minutes, including evaluation and initial treatment.
Q: Will I be sore after?
Possibly, but it should feel like mild muscle fatigue—not sharp or worsening pain. Let your therapist know if anything feels off.
Q: Can I bring imaging (like MRI results)?
Yes. If you have them, bring all relevant scans or surgical reports. They help us better understand your starting point.
Q: What if I have multiple injuries?
No problem. We’ll prioritize based on your goals, but we evaluate your
whole body, not just one joint or muscle.
Q: Will insurance cover it?
Most likely. We accept major insurance plans and verify benefits before your session. If not covered, we offer accessible cash-based rates.
Why Choose Athletic Evolution for Physical Therapy?
There are dozens of clinics in the area—but
Athletic Evolution Woburn stands out because we:
- Specialize in athletes and active individuals
- Combine rehab with real performance training
- Offer advanced treatments like shockwave therapy
- Provide one-on-one care in a professional, energetic space
- Have deep ties to local surgeons, coaches, and schools
We don’t just get you out of pain—we help you move, live, and perform better.
Ready to Start Physical Therapy in Woburn?
You don’t need to feel “bad enough” to start. Whether you’re healing from surgery or trying to avoid it altogether, the sooner you begin, the faster you can return to feeling your best.
Book your first session today:
Athletic Evolution Woburn
800 West Cummings Park, Suite 1550
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 935‑7701
Schedule Your First Visit
We proudly serve patients from Woburn, Wilmington, Burlington, and surrounding Greater Boston neighborhoods.
Internal Links
- [Physical Therapy Woburn – https://www.athletic-evolution.com/]
- [ACL Rehab Woburn – https://www.athletic-evolution.com/]
- [Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Pain – https://www.athletic-evolution.com/]
- [Pelvic Floor Therapy Near Me – https://www.athletic-evolution.com/]
- [Youth Injury Rehab – https://www.athletic-evolution.com/]
