During your first visit we will primarily be conducting an evaluation of your condition or injury and discussing your goals to develop a treatment plan that is personalized just for you. Expect your first visit to last about an hour.
Des Moines University Clinic is also a teaching clinic, so a student may participate in your physical therapy care.
Prior to Initial Evaluation
Patients may come to physical therapy with a prescription from their physician, dentist or chiropractor. You can also come to physical therapy in Iowa without a prescription, unless you have Medicare insurance. Come prepared by printing and fill out new patient paperwork. Also, read over our privacy policy.
If you are coming for treatment of pelvis issues please fill out these forms instead:
- Pelvis – Female New Patient Forms
- Pelvis – Male New Patient Forms
- Pelvis – Pediatric (15 and Under) New Patient Forms
Evaluation and Development of Personalized Treatment Plan
During your first visit, your physical therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your condition or injury. We may have you perform various types of movement like walking, going up stairs, squatting, bending forward or reaching overhead to assess whether you have any mobility or stability issues impacting your ability to do the things you enjoy. Your physical therapist will discuss your goals with you and what you would like to return to doing. This will help your therapist develop a personalized treatment plan for you.
What to wear
We recommend wearing loose-fitting clothes and comfortable shoes to your appointments. These make it easier to move and treat the areas of the body that need attention.
Follow-up visits
Your physical therapist will create a treatment plan based on your initial evaluation and the frequency of visits recommended for your specific condition. Follow-up visits track your progress and give you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your treatment plan. Your therapist may recommend manual therapy, which helps improve movement and relieves pain in muscles and joints, or prescribe exercises designed to enhance your rehabilitation.
Home Exercise Program
You may be asked to do exercises at home in between your clinic appointments. These will help speed up your recovery and help you achieve your health goals.