Getting Ready for Your First Post-Surgery Physical Therapist Appointment

So your surgeon just scheduled you for physical therapy after your operation. And honestly? It’s pretty normal to feel a mix of nervous and hopeful right now. You’re probably wondering what you should bring, what they’ll make you do, and whether it’s gonna hurt. Here’s the thing – being prepared makes that first session way less stressful.

Working with a skilled Physical Therapist in Chicago IL starts with knowing what to expect. This guide walks you through everything you need for that first appointment, from the paperwork you should grab to the questions worth asking. Let’s get you ready.

What Documents to Bring From Your Surgeon

Don’t show up empty-handed. Your therapist needs specific info about your surgery to create a safe treatment plan.

Grab your surgical report if you have it. This document tells your therapist exactly what your surgeon did – which structures got repaired, what hardware they used, any complications that came up. It’s basically the roadmap for your recovery.

You’ll also want any imaging studies. That means X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans from before and after surgery. Sometimes these live in your patient portal. Download them to your phone or print them out. Your therapist can spot things in these images that matter for your exercises.

And here’s what people forget – the post-op instructions from your surgeon. You know, that paper with all the restrictions? “Don’t bend past 90 degrees” or “no weight bearing for 6 weeks.” Your therapist needs to know these rules so they don’t accidentally push you past your limits.

Insurance and Referral Paperwork

Most insurance plans require a referral for PT. Make sure your surgeon’s office sent it over. Call your insurance beforehand to check your copay amount and how many sessions they’ll cover. Nobody likes surprise bills.

Bring your insurance card and photo ID. Yeah, it’s basic stuff, but you’d be surprised how many first appointments get delayed because someone forgot their card in another purse.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

Your clothes matter more than you’d think. The wrong outfit can actually mess up your evaluation.

For knee or ankle surgery, wear shorts. Not tight jeans. Your therapist needs to see and touch your surgical site, check swelling, and watch how your joints move. Trying to roll up skinny jeans? Not gonna work well.

Shoulder or elbow surgery? Tank tops or loose t-shirts you can easily pull off. Sports bras work great for women because they give access without the awkward shirt situation.

Hip or back surgery gets tricky. Loose athletic pants with an elastic waist are your friend. Avoid anything with buttons, zippers, or that requires bending over to put on. And definitely don’t wear a dress or skirt – you’ll be doing exercises where that becomes a real problem.

Shoes matter too. Bring supportive sneakers, even if you’re on crutches. Your therapist might have you try standing exercises, and flip-flops or dress shoes won’t cut it.

Pain Management Before Your Appointment

Let’s talk about something real – your first PT session might be uncomfortable. But you can make it easier on yourself.

Check with your surgeon about taking pain medication before PT. Most doctors recommend taking your prescribed pain meds about 30-60 minutes before your appointment. This lets you participate more fully without suffering through every movement.

But here’s the balance – you don’t want to be so medicated that you can’t feel what your body’s telling you. Pain is information. If something feels sharp or wrong, you need to notice that and speak up.

Ice packs help too. Some people ice their surgical site for 15 minutes before leaving home. It can reduce inflammation and make that initial evaluation less painful. Just don’t ice right before if your therapist needs to check your skin temperature or sensation.

Questions Every Patient Should Ask

Your first session isn’t just about exercises. It’s about getting answers. And a quality Physical Therapist in Chicago IL will actually want you asking questions.

Start with the timeline: “How long until I can drive?” “When can I go back to work?” “What’s the realistic recovery timeline for my specific surgery?” Physical therapy research shows that understanding your recovery timeline reduces anxiety and improves compliance with home exercises.

Ask about red flags. What symptoms mean you should call your surgeon versus what’s normal healing discomfort? Knowing the difference between expected soreness and actual problems gives you confidence at home.

Get specific about restrictions. Can you sleep on your surgical side? When can you shower normally? Is it okay to have sex? These quality-of-life questions matter, and your therapist has heard them all before.

Understanding Your Treatment Plan

Don’t leave without knowing the plan. How many times per week will you come in? For how many weeks total? What happens if you’re not progressing as expected?

Ask what you’ll be doing at home. Home exercise programs are usually 50% of your recovery success. If you don’t understand an exercise, speak up right then. Don’t wait until you’re home trying to remember what that weird stretch was.

Setting Realistic Recovery Goals

Here’s where things get real. Your recovery won’t look like your neighbor’s, even if you had the same surgery.

Age matters. A 25-year-old athlete recovering from ACL surgery will progress differently than a 65-year-old with the same injury. That’s not good or bad – it’s just biology. Your therapist will set goals based on your body, not some generic timeline.

Your pre-surgery fitness level plays a huge role too. If you were active and strong before surgery, you’ve got a head start. If you’d been sedentary for years, building strength takes longer. Both paths work, they just move at different speeds.

And honestly? Some surgeries just take longer to heal. Rotator cuff repairs need months before you can lift anything heavy. Hip replacements have you walking the same day but restricted from certain movements for 12 weeks. An Advanced Physical Therapist in Chicago IL will break down what’s realistic for your specific procedure.

What Actually Happens During That First Session

So what will they actually do to you? Let’s demystify this.

First comes the evaluation. Your therapist will ask tons of questions about your surgery, your pain levels, what you can and can’t do right now. They’ll probably watch you walk, check your range of motion, and test your strength. It’s all about figuring out your baseline.

Then comes gentle movement. And I mean gentle. Nobody’s trying to be a hero on day one. You might do some ankle pumps, arm lifts, or simple stretches. The goal is getting your body moving again without causing damage.

They’ll teach you exercises to do at home. Pay attention here. These home exercises matter more than the twice-a-week clinic visits. Ask them to write everything down or record a video on your phone demonstrating each exercise.

Manual therapy might happen too. That’s hands-on work where your therapist uses their hands to move your joints, massage scar tissue, or reduce swelling. Some people love it, others find it uncomfortable. Either reaction is fine.

Common First-Session Mistakes to Avoid

People mess up their first PT appointment in predictable ways. Don’t be one of them.

Don’t try to prove how tough you are. This isn’t a competition. If an exercise hurts beyond normal discomfort, say something. Pushing through actual pain just sets back your recovery.

Don’t skip the paperwork questions. Those medical history forms feel tedious, but they matter. Previous injuries, medical conditions, medications – all of it affects your treatment plan. Be thorough and honest.

Don’t arrive late or super early. Show up about 10 minutes before your scheduled time. Late means rushed paperwork and a shortened session. Too early and you’re just sitting there getting more anxious.

And please don’t Google horror stories the night before. You’ll find the worst-case scenarios and freak yourself out. Every surgery and every recovery is different.

The Emotional Side Nobody Talks About

Surgery is traumatic. Not just physically – emotionally too. You might feel frustrated that simple tasks are suddenly hard. Or scared that you’ll never get back to normal. Some people even feel depressed during early recovery.

A good Advanced Physical Therapist in Chicago IL gets this. They’ve seen hundreds of patients go through the same emotional rollercoaster. Don’t be afraid to mention if you’re struggling mentally. They can often connect you with resources or adjust your treatment to include small wins that boost your mood.

Preparing Your Home for Post-PT Success

Your first session will probably give you homework. Set yourself up for success before you even go to that appointment.

Clear a space for exercises. You’ll need room to lie down on the floor, maybe do some leg lifts or arm circles. Move the coffee table if you have to. Having a dedicated exercise spot makes you way more likely to actually do the work.

Stock up on ice packs and heating pads. You’ll be using both. Some people keep a rotation of gel ice packs in the freezer so there’s always a cold one ready.

Set up reminders on your phone for exercises. Sounds silly, but it works. Schedule them like appointments. Three times a day at 8am, 2pm, and 7pm. Whatever fits your routine.

Get your support system ready. Can someone drive you to appointments? Help with household stuff while you’re recovering? Line this up now, not when you’re exhausted after PT.

When to Contact Your Surgeon vs Your Therapist

This confuses people. Who do you call when something feels wrong?

Call your surgeon immediately for: excessive bleeding, fever over 101°F, severe pain not controlled by medication, numbness that’s getting worse, or if your surgical site looks infected (red, hot, oozing).

Call your therapist for: questions about exercises, normal soreness vs concerning pain, whether you’re progressing as expected, or if you need to reschedule an appointment.

When in doubt, call the surgeon’s office first. They can always direct you to PT if that’s the better contact. Better safe than sorry with post-surgical complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my first physical therapy session hurt?

Some discomfort is normal, but it shouldn’t be excruciating. You’ll feel your muscles working and maybe some stretching sensations. Good therapists work within your tolerance and adjust based on your feedback. If something feels sharp or wrong, speak up immediately.

How long does the first appointment usually take?

Plan for 60-90 minutes. The initial evaluation takes longer than regular sessions because your therapist needs to do a thorough assessment, review your medical history, and explain your treatment plan. Bring a snack if you get lightheaded when hungry.

Can I drive myself to my first PT appointment after surgery?

It depends on your surgery type and how long it’s been. Lower extremity surgeries (knee, ankle, hip) usually mean no driving while on pain meds or if you can’t bear weight. Upper extremity surgeries might be okay if it’s your non-dominant side. Check with your surgeon first and have a backup ride ready.

What if I can’t do the exercises they give me?

Tell them. Seriously. Therapists can modify every single exercise to match your current ability level. There’s always a regression or alternative movement. They’d rather you do a modified version correctly than struggle with something too advanced and risk injury.

Should I ice or heat before my first appointment?

Ice is usually better for recent surgeries because it reduces inflammation. Apply it for 15-20 minutes before leaving home if you’re having significant swelling. Save heat for later in your recovery when you’re dealing with muscle tightness rather than post-surgical inflammation. When in doubt, ask your surgeon’s office what they recommend.

Look, your first PT session after surgery might feel overwhelming. But thousands of people do this every single day and come out stronger on the other side. You’ve already survived the surgery – the hardest part is behind you. Show up prepared, ask questions, and trust the process. You’ve got this.