Although every patient is different, the initial physical therapy session usually lasts a minimum of one hour. The duration of the appointment will be based on your individual needs and your physical therapist will discuss it with you. Generally, it takes six to eight weeks for soft tissues to heal, meaning that a typical physical therapy program will last approximately that long. However, since physical therapy is designed to help you fully recover and resume your normal activities, it is better to set goals you would like to achieve instead of setting a date to finish treatment.
With the help of your physical therapist, you will stay focused no matter how long it takes to reach your goals. Most of the time, the physical therapist will start the physical therapy program at the first visit and you will be instructed to do an exercise program at home until your next appointment. Although it may seem like a simple question, there is no definite answer to how long a physical therapy program will last. It can help people who have had a stroke recover by helping them overcome the physical effects of a stroke. Adhering to regular treatment attendance and following the therapist's advice will ensure quick rehabilitation, allowing you to return to activity sooner.
Over time, as the body recovers and the physical therapist monitors its response, he or she will modify the program accordingly. Physical therapy can be used to treat and control a variety of conditions, including back and neck pain, joint and muscle stiffness, and soft tissue injuries. There are times when you will have to end your physical therapy program if your insurance company stops paying for the specialized services of a skilled physical therapist. You can stop physical therapy when you have achieved your goal, when you need to move on to another treatment, or if an at-home program recommended by the physical therapist is sufficient to help you reach your goals after a few initial sessions with the therapist. However, the length of the physical therapy program will depend on the condition, the rate of healing, and the course of the treatment plan.
That is why it is so important to be well informed about the length of a physical therapy appointment so you can better manage your time. The first thing to remember about a typical physical therapy session is to be prepared and dress appropriately. Another factor that will affect your physical therapy schedule will be the amount of activity you do on your own; it is likely that the physical therapist will also recommend some exercises for you to do at home. Talk to your physical therapist about your home program to make sure the activities are beneficial for you. In any case, physical therapy includes exercises, stretching, massage and other treatments to reduce pain and improve movement in the problem area.
A typical physical therapy schedule is 6 to 8 weeks for soft tissue healing, so the physical therapy cycle can last that long. During visits, physical therapists will continuously evaluate you and make additional recommendations based on your progress and whether you have achieved your functional goals.
