What to Expect

What to expect during your Evaluation and Treatment at Orthopedic Sports Therapy

Your first visit will be the initial evaluation with the physical therapist. Please wear clothing that can be moved around so your physical therapist can see the injured area (for example, loose shorts for knee problems, tank tops or sports bra for shoulder/upper back problems, etc.).

The initial evaluation is one hour and consists of:

1. Thorough discussion to understand your history and current symptoms
2. Physical examination and assessment. The physical examination includes observation, palpation and testing of the area where your pain/problem is and other involved structures.
3. Diagnosis: your physical therapist will diagnose the problem — identifying the underlying source and contributors to the problems you are experiencing, and a treatment plan is created. The diagnosis and treatment plan are discussed by the patient and your physical therapist.
4. Treatment plan: The treatment includes the following:
   • education about your condition, sources of pain and contributors to the problem
   • hands on techniques, such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue work (such as scraping, graston or massage), muscle energy techniques, trigger point dry needling, cupping.
   • exercises to strengthen and relax muscles, reduce pain and improve physical function
   • Visits take place in a private room or in our clinic gym, as appropriate/needed.

What to expect during Pelvic Floor Evaluation and Treatment at Orthopedic Sports Therapy

Your first visit will be the initial exam, which takes place in a private room, with the physical therapist. The initial evaluation consists of:

1. Thorough discussion to understand your history and current symptoms
2. Physical examination and assessment. The physical examination includes observation, palpation and testing of the pelvic floor and other involved structures, such as lumbar spine and hips. The pelvic floor physical examination may be external only or also include an internal examination, if the patient consents. If internal, the exam is “digital” only; no speculum is used.
3. Diagnosis: your physical therapist diagnoses the underlying source and contributors to the problems you are experiencing, and a treatment plan is created. The diagnosis and treatment plan are discussed by the patient and your physical therapist.
4. Treatment plan: The treatment may include the following:
   • patient education about your condition, sources of pain/contributors to the problem
   • hands on techniques, such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue work, muscle energy techniques. Internal (always with patient consent) and external techniques are used.
   • Exercises to strengthen and relax muscles, reduce pain and improve physical function
   • Other treatment techniques may include biofeedback (noninvasive technique to train the Pelvic floor muscles), trigger point dry needling, cupping, and other physical therapy treatments
   • Visits take place in a private room with a door, or in our clinic gym, as appropriate.
   • Follow up visits are 30 minutes

What to expect during your Lymphedema Evaluation and Treatment at Orthopedic Sports Therapy

Your first visit will be the initial evaluation with the physical therapist. Please wear clothing that can be moved around so your physical therapist can see the swollen area (for example, loose and stretchy shorts or pants for leg swelling, short sleeve tops for upper body and arm swelling). If you have any compression garments/stockings (or compression wraps) please bring them with you to the first appointment.

The initial evaluation is one hour and consists of:

1. Thorough discussion to understand your history and current symptoms, as well as what previous treatments you have had or currently use.
2. Physical examination and assessment. The physical examination includes observation, palpation and testing of the area where your swelling is.
3. Your physical therapist will diagnose the cause and severity of your edema and determine the best course of action for treatment and the various alternatives that may exist.
4. Treatment plan: You and your physical therapist will discuss the treatment plan and arrive at the best treatment plan for your individual case and what works for you personally. The treatment may include the following:
   • education about lymphedema, nutrition, exercise/activity and skin care.
   • manual lymphatic drainage massage — a very light technique to reduce swelling and improve lymphatic function
   • multilayer compression wrapping to support the lymphatic system, improve function and reduce swelling.
   • advising and instruction regarding the best compression garments for you, as well as assistance ordering them.
   • Visits take place in a private room or in our clinic gym, as appropriate/needed.
   • Follow up visits will either be 60 or 30 minutes, depending on your treatment plan.