What to Expect

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your initial Physical Therapy appointment begins with a private conversation between you and your therapist to develop an understanding of the root cause of your condition/injury. Your medical, movement, and lifestyle histories will be discussed, followed by a thorough physical evaluation including a movement assessment and clinical diagnostic tests to determine the best course of action to support you in your healing journey. In partnership with your therapist, you will develop a personalized, medically-based program that meets your therapeutic needs. Therapy may include precise biomechanical evaluations, hands-on techniques, aquatic therapy, therapeutic exercise training, and alternative therapies.

No matter what your goals are, your treatment will be designed to enhance your mobility, strength, and mind-body awareness to support a more balanced state of wellness that will help restore your body to its full potential. Our experienced, caring team of therapists will be there to assist and motivate you along the way.

Once you meet your therapy goals, we encourage continued education and care. Our ultimate intention is to support you in discovering your healer within, so that you may forever support your body in leaning into health and well-being. Our physical therapists may recommend continuing on with your therapist for maintenance and/or prevention, to maintain your new state of wellness.

Many physical therapy patients will come to Merz Physical Therapy after first seeing a General Practitioner and/or Orthopedic Surgeon. However, Minnesota is a direct-access state, meaning you can receive physical therapy treatment without a prescription from a physician. At your initial evaluation, your Physical Therapist may be able to diagnose your problem. In some cases, your therapist may refer you to a holistic-minded medical professional specializing in your needs. We have close relationships with the best health practitioners in the Twin-Cities, many of whom lead their field on the world-wide scale. If we cannot help you, we will strive to connect you with the medical professionals who can.

Please wear comfortable athletic clothing, as well as athletic shoes and socks, for your physical therapy appointment.