Some health habits are instilled in us at a young age. For as long as you can remember, for
example, you made annual treks in the family minivan to both the pediatrician and the dentist.
As you entered adulthood, you probably transitioned to a primary care physician, and maybe
even a different dentist better equipped to address adult needs. Anytime you’ve moved or
switched insurance carriers, one of your first priorities has been to track down new providers.
Now you may even choose to schedule visits more than once a year, when necessary. You
probably figure that between the two healthcare professionals, all of your health needs are
covered, right?
As it turns out, these healthcare professionals aren’t specifically trained to assess your
musculoskeletal system, which is comprised of your muscles, bones, cartilage, tendons,
ligaments, joints and other connective tissues. Then who is the right healthcare professional to
ensure that these essential internal structures are working properly and helping to support,
stabilize and move your body? A physical therapist.
At a yearly physical therapy “checkup,” your PT will gather your medical history and observe as
you participate in screening tests and other assessments to establish a baseline of your physical
abilities, fitness level and personal health. Physical therapists are educated on how your
musculoskeletal system functions properly and are trained to identify dysfunctions before they
grow into bigger problems.
To maximize the encounter with your physical therapist, it’s important to be prepared before
your appointment. To ensure that you cover everything and address any issues you may be
having, make a list that includes:
• Health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure
• Current medications, including supplements
• Physical fitness activities
• New activities you’re considering
• Fitness goals
The information exchange between you and your PT is critical to forming an ongoing
relationship, and to ensuring that you’re functioning and moving at top form. By understanding
what sports and recreational activities you’re currently participating in and the fitness goals
you’re aiming to achieve, your PT will be better prepared to make recommendations and tailor a
home exercise program designed to help you achieve your goals.
Making wellness a part of your everyday life and taking steps to ensure that your
musculoskeletal system is functioning at top notch can be very empowering and rewarding. Why
not begin—or continue—that journey with a physical therapist? Now that you know how to
prepare for a physical therapy checkup, and understand what you can expect during the
appointment, the next step is to call and schedule your annual visit.
Contact Us:
New Jersey locations:
Bloomfield NJ Physical Therapy 44 Park Street Bloomfield , NJ 07003 Phone: 9736852335 Email us
Clifton NJ Physical Therapy - 1070 Clifton Ave 1070 Clifton Ave #1A Clifton , NJ 07013 Phone: 973-246-6565 Email us
Clifton NJ Physical Therapy - 1700 Rte 3 West 1700 Rte 3 West #Grnd Clifton , NJ 07013 Phone: 862-591-1000 Email us
Fair Lawn NJ Physical Therapy - Holsman Physical and Occupational Therapy 15-01 Broadway Ste 12 Fair Lawn , NJ 07410 Phone: 201-355-5199 Email us
Kearny NJ Physical Therapy 711 Kearny Ave Kearny , NJ 07032 Phone: 201-535-8555 Email us
Rahway NJ Physical Therapy 1600 Saint Georges Ave #107 Rahway , NJ 07065 Phone: 732-428-5566 Email us
Cedar Grove NJ Physical Therapy 408 Pompton Ave Cedar Grove , NJ 07009 Phone: 973-433-0732 Email us
Caldwell NJ Physical Therapy 378 Bloomfield Ave Caldwell , NJ 07006 Phone: 973-968-6002 Email us
Fair Lawn NJ Physical Therapy - Holsman Children's Therapy Center 15-01 Broadway Ste 14C Fair Lawn , NJ 07410 Phone: 201-351-1682 Email us
Newark NJ Physical Therapy 1060 Broad St #Bsmt Newark , NJ 07102 Phone: 973-457-4232 Email us
Jersey City NJ Physical Therapy 361 Montgomery St Jersey City , NJ 07302 Phone: 201-932-2656 Email us
Paterson NJ Physical Therapy 764 Main St. Suite 401 Paterson, NJ 07503 Phone: 973-705-7255 Email us
New York Locations:
Bronx NY Physical Therapy - 817 E 180th St 817 E 180th St Bronx , NY 10460 Phone: 718-355-9652 Email us
Bronx NY Morris Park Physical Therapy - 799 Morris Park Ave 799 Morris Park Ave Bronx , NY 10462 Phone: 718-684-6300 Email us
Brooklyn NY Physical Therapy 423 Lincoln Pl Brooklyn , NY 11238-5499 Phone: 347-708-9701 Email us
Brooklyn NY Liberty Ave 1084 Liberty Ave Brooklyn, NY 11208 Phone: 347-586-0625 Email us