What will a physical therapy evaluation consist of?

Written by: Alex Caroline Robboy, CAS, MSW, LCSW, Founder

What to expect during a physical therapy evaluation.

All physical therapy evaluations are private and take approximately 60 minutes to complete (in complicated cases it may take 2 or more session). We start by taking a thorough history of your current condition by asking you many questions. This history helps guide where we will need to focus the examination. During this physical therapy evaluation a “hands on approach,” will be utilized to look at the problem area and the surrounding structures by looking at the following:

  • Posture
  • Skin and soft tissue
  • Joint motion
  • Muscle strength
  • Muscle flexibility
  • Tender spots or trigger points
  • Muscle coordination and movement analysis
  • Gait (how you walking)
  • Review of pertinent medical tests

Pelvic floor physical therapy evaluations include a vaginal and/or rectal exam of the pelvic floor muscles for tenderness/trigger points, strength, flexibility, and coordination. I will also perform a biofeedback evaluation (a computerized technique) that gives information about how your pelvic floor muscles are functioning.

After the physical therapy evaluation examination the physical therapist will thoroughly explain all the findings and how they may relate to your condition.  The physical therapist will provide a detailed report of your evaluation that will be sent to your physician/physicians / therapist involved in your care.

THIS TIP WAS WRITTEN BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST IN PHILADELPHIA Hina Sheth MPT, OCS, MTC  IT WAS NOT WRITTEN BY ALEX CAROLINE ROBBOY MSW, CAS, LCSW