Your First Visit to Empower
A little preparation makes your first visit go smoothly. Here's what to bring, what to wear, and what actually happens during your initial evaluation.
California allows direct access to physical therapy, so you don't need a physician referral to schedule your first visit. If a doctor did refer you, or you're coming in after an injury, a little preparation ahead of time helps your therapist get a full picture of what's going on from the very first minute.
What to Bring
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card if you're using insurance, and any paperwork related to your injury or condition. That can include a physician referral, MRI or X-ray reports, post-operative notes, or any special instructions you've been given. If you're not sure whether something is relevant, bring it anyway and we'll sort through it with you.
Arriving & Paperwork
Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early to fill out new patient paperwork. If you'd rather not fill it out in the waiting room, you can download and complete our forms ahead of time on our paperwork page, print them, and bring them with you. If you fill everything out in advance, you don't need the extra lead time and can simply arrive a few minutes before your appointment.
What to Wear
What you wear depends on what we're treating. Loose-fitting clothing that lets you move and lets your therapist see the area of concern works best. Athletic shorts are helpful for knee, hip, or thigh issues, and a tank top or loose short-sleeve shirt helps for shoulder or neck concerns. You're welcome to bring a change of clothes and switch in our private treatment room. Comfortable shoes you can walk and move in are ideal, and shoes that are easy to slip off help if we're treating your foot or ankle.
Your Initial Evaluation
Your first appointment is a complete evaluation, not a rushed once-over. Your therapist will talk with you one-on-one, take your history, watch how you move, and determine what's really driving your pain. Together you'll define the outcomes you want to achieve and lay out a treatment plan built around those goals. Most evaluations run 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your specific case and whether your paperwork is already done.
Will I Get Treatment on My First Visit?
Yes. After identifying the root cause of your problem, we get started right away. That typically means educating you on what's actually driving your symptoms, along with some hands-on treatment during the same visit. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your condition, what we'll work on in the clinic, and what you can start doing at home.