What is physical therapy?
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a healthcare service focused on improving movement, reducing pain, restoring strength, and preventing injury without unnecessary medications or surgery.
It addresses the root cause of dysfunction rather than only treating symptoms. Through hands on treatment, guided exercise, education, and movement correction, physical therapy helps your body heal and perform efficiently.
Our Physical Therapy Process
Step 1: Comprehensive Initial Evaluation
Your first visit is a detailed, one on one evaluation with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
During this session, we will:
• Review your medical history and current symptoms
• Discuss your goals and activity level
• Evaluate range of motion and joint mobility
• Test muscle strength and flexibility
• Assess balance and coordination if needed
• Analyze movement patterns and biomechanics
• Identify contributing factors to pain or dysfunction
This full body approach allows us to understand not just where it hurts, but why it hurts.
By the end of your evaluation, you will better understand:
• What is causing your symptoms
• What needs to improve
• How long recovery may take
• What your personalized plan will involve
Step 2: Goal Setting and Creating a Plan
Together, we establish:
• Short term goals such as reducing pain or improving mobility
• Long term goals such as returning to sports, work, or daily activities
• Measurable progress markers
Your treatment plan is customized to you.
Step 3: Follow Up Treatment Sessions
Sessions may include:
• Targeted therapeutic exercises
• Strength and endurance training
• Manual therapy techniques
• Dry needling or soft tissue work if appropriate
• Balance and coordination training
• Movement retraining
• Education on posture and activity modification
As you improve, exercises progress to match your recovery stage.
We continuously reassess your mobility, strength, and function to ensure progress.
Step 4: Measuring Progress
We track improvement using objective measurements such as:
• Range of motion gains
• Strength improvements
• Functional movement testing
• Pain reduction scales
• Return to activity benchmarks
If progress stalls, we adjust your program accordingly.
Step 5: Being Discharged From PT
Before discharge, we:
• Ensure you can safely perform daily or athletic activities
• Provide a long term maintenance program
• Educate you on preventing reinjury
• Address any remaining strength or flexibility deficits
How Long Does Physical Therapy Take?
The average duration depends on the condition and severity.
Acute injuries may require 4 to 6 weeks.
Post surgical rehabilitation often lasts 8 to 16 weeks depending on the procedure.
Chronic pain conditions may require a longer structured program.
During your evaluation, we provide a realistic timeline tailored to your situation.
How Often Will I Attend?
Most patients begin with 2 visits per week depending on the condition.
As you improve, frequency gradually decreases while independence increases.
Why Choose Avondale PT?
• Doctor of Physical Therapy level care
• One-on-one attention
• Customized treatment plans
• Evidence based rehabilitation
• Convenient downtown Avondale location
• Serving Atlanta, Avondale Estates, and Decatur
Ready to Start Physical Therapy?
If you are dealing with pain, recovering from surgery, or looking to prevent injury, schedule your evaluation today.
