What to Expect at Your Child's Physical Therapy Appointment

What to Expect at a Physical Therapy Appointment

Your child’s physical therapy appointment has been scheduled and you’ve filled out all the paperwork — but you’re nervous. You may have heard of physical therapy or had it yourself, but things are different with children.

Your child’s physical therapy appointment should help you answer questions about your child’s condition and treatment plan – all to give you peace of mind that your child will receive exceptional care. Here’s how to prepare for appointments and what to expect.

What You Won’t Find Here

  • No 5-minute, multi-step recorded phone menu
  • No multi-building campus to navigate
  • No parking garage blocks from your appointment
  • Treatment rooms isolated from parents
  • No months-long waiting list for your first appointment
  • No impersonal assembly-line treatment process

What You Will Find Here

  • Real people answering the phone and returning your calls
  • Convenient Plano location
  • Walkup parking just steps from your appointment
  • Viewing window so you can observe your child’s progress
  • Prompt scheduling and appointments
  • Personalized treatment plan for your child’s unique needs

How to Prepare Ahead of Time

Thanks for choosing Head2Toe for your child’s physical therapy needs. Let’s work together with kindness and consistency to ensure your child receives the best care outcomes. Here are a few ways to prepare for appointments:

  • Need to cancel or reschedule? Please let us know at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Read over insurance coverage information
  • Arrive 15 minutes ahead of the appointment
  • Don’t forget the paperwork on your child’s medical history
  • Bring notes about developmental milestones or post-surgery rehab notes
  • Bring toys/reading material to keep your child stimulated
  • Dress your child comfortably (t-shirt, shorts, gym shoes) for fun and play
  • Bring any braces or durable medical equipment (DME) your child needs
  • Provide any samples requested by the physical therapist
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What Happens During an Appointment

Appointments generally take up to one hour but can vary by patient.

Your child’s physical therapist (PT) will spend the initial visit asking questions about changes in pain, medication, sleep or any information that might impact participation in physical therapy. They will check strength and posture and complete age-appropriate exercises to evaluate mobility and balance.

If there are any developmental delays, the PT will determine the degree and potential causes. Early intervention therapies are critical to success for young patients. Next steps include the PT working with you and your child to develop a plan for interventions (exercise, functional activities).

As a family-focused healthcare provider, you are a critical part of your child’s care team. We want you to observe treatment, learn what to do at home and provide any feedback. You continue where we leave off!

What to Expect of a Physical Therapy Appointment

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Our PTs are here to guide you and your child on a plan of care, both during appointments and with what happens next: 

  • Communication. The PT will provide open and honest communication about the appointment, treatment methods and next steps.

  • Maintaining a home schedule. The PT will provide a home program focusing on strengths and areas of improvement as well as sticking to any prescription regimen.

  • Follow-up appointments. Your therapist and our staff will assist you with future appointments. The frequency of these visits will depend on the patient.

You may receive a patient satisfaction survey. We hope you take the time to share your feelings and impressions with us.