Your First Visit

About Us > Your First Visit
Getting Started With Physical Therapy
We are thrilled that you have chosen Physical Therapy at St. Luke's for your rehabilitation needs. The process to begin physical, occupational, or speech therapy is one we will be more than happy to help you navigate. Whether you are being referred by a physician or decide to seek treatment on your own accord, there are three easy steps to beginning therapy at one of our many locations across the Lehigh Valley, Upper Bucks/Upper Perkiomen, Carbon/Luzerne/Schuykill, Berks, Monroe areas, and New Jersey.

Step One – Scheduling an Appointment
Once you've decided, or have been referred, to begin physical, occupational, or speech therapy, contact any one of our locations to make an appointment that works with your schedule. If you need assistance determining the best location for you to receive treatment, please call 484-526-5025. Most of our locations are open after standard business hours to accommodate your schedule and availability.

Step Two – Download Forms (Only If Instructed)

If your facility has instructed you to fill out a form prior to your visit, you can download them here and fill them out at your earliest convenience.
 
If your child needs an appointment with the Pediatric Department at St. Luke's North or Allentown - Tilghman Street, the following forms will need to be filled out: This paperwork must be mailed to the office within 30 days and they will contact you to schedule your child's appointment.

Step Three – Preparing for Your Visit
Please arrive approximately 15 - 20 minutes prior to your scheduled time on your first appointment. When you come to your first appointment, please have the following information readily available:
  • Referral/Prescription from your physician (if required)
  • Health Insurance Card
  • Photo ID
  • Patient Forms
  • Co-Payment (as applicable)
Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your first appointment.

What to Expect at Your First Visit
One of our front desk coordinators will go over your paperwork with you to verify your information. In your initial evaluation, your physical therapist will:
  • Review your medical history with you, as well as inquire about your current symptoms that brought you to therapy.
  • Perform a physical exam to determine your strength, mobility, and flexibility in order to determine what may be causing your condition.
  • Assess your condition and explain to you how they will treat it. Treatment typically begins on the same day as your initial evaluation. When applicable, your physical therapist will create a personalized home exercise program to complement your treatment sessions.
Length of Your First Appointment
Your first appointment with your therapist will be your initial evaluation which typically runs about an hour long. During your first appointmet, your therapist will develop a plan of care designed specifically to help you. This plan of care will help determine the length and frequency needed to help you heal and feel better. Patients are typically seen twice a week for several weeks, however, the actual frequency and duration of your therapy program will be determined by your therapist's evaluation and plan of care, physician's recommendations, your treatment goals, and your availability.