What To Expect At Physical Therapy
Starting physical therapy can feel a little intimidating — especially if you’ve never been before. You might be wondering: What actually happens during the first session? Will it hurt? What should I wear?
At Movement Is Medicine Physical Therapy in Norfolk, we make sure your first visit feels comfortable, informative, and empowering. You’ll leave not only understanding the root cause of your pain, but also knowing exactly how we’ll help you move, perform, and feel better for life.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during your first appointment at the best physical therapy clinic in Norfolk.
Step 1: A Warm Welcome and Conversation
When you arrive, you’ll meet your licensed physical therapist — not an aide or assistant. The first part of your visit is a genuine conversation about you.
We’ll talk through:
Your pain, injury history, or mobility concerns
Activities or workouts you love (and what pain keeps you from doing)
Previous treatments you’ve tried
Your short- and long-term goals
This discussion helps your therapist understand what’s holding you back and what “better” looks like for you.
At Movement Is Medicine, every session is 1-on-1 for a full 60 minutes, so there’s never any rush.
Step 2: A Full-Body Movement Assessment
Next, your therapist will perform a personalized assessment to identify the root cause of your pain — not just where it hurts.
This may include:
Posture and mobility testing
Strength and flexibility checks
Balance and coordination tests
Functional movements like squats, lunges, or lifts
The goal is to see how your body moves as a whole. Often, the real issue is not the painful area itself, but how your body compensates elsewhere.
This “whole-body” approach is what makes Movement Is Medicine PT stand out among Norfolk physical therapy clinics.
Step 3: Hands-On Treatment During Your First Visit
Unlike traditional clinics where the first session is all paperwork, at Movement Is Medicine PT, we get started right away.
Depending on your needs, your therapist might use:
Manual therapy or soft tissue work to release tight muscles
Joint mobilizations to restore range of motion
Targeted corrective exercises to retrain your body to move properly
We focus on helping you feel better that day — not after multiple appointments.
Step 4: Personalized Plan — RESET → RESTORE → REBUILD
By the end of your first appointment, your therapist will create a clear plan designed just for you.
Our proven system follows three phases:
RESET — Reduce pain and improve movement quality
RESTORE — Build mobility, strength, and stability
REBUILD — Return to full performance (and beyond)
This plan isn’t just about getting you out of pain — it’s about keeping you strong, confident, and performing your best for life.
Step 5: What to Bring (and How to Prepare)
To make your first visit go smoothly, here’s what we recommend:
Wear comfortable, flexible clothing (like workout gear)
Bring any relevant medical reports or imaging
Arrive 10–15 minutes early for intake forms
Be ready to move!
Your first session will feel like a mix between a workout and a learning experience — focused on discovering what your body truly needs.
Step 6: Life After the First Visit — What Comes Next
After your initial session, your therapist will recommend a schedule based on your goals. Most clients start with 1–2 sessions per week, tapering down as they improve.
Between visits, you’ll receive custom home exercises to accelerate your progress. Think of them as your roadmap to staying pain-free, mobile, and strong.
At Movement Is Medicine, we’re not just helping you recover — we’re teaching you how to stay better.
Why Choose Movement Is Medicine PT in Norfolk?
Choosing the right provider can make all the difference in your results. Here’s why Movement Is Medicine stands out as the best physical therapy clinic in Norfolk:
1-on-1, 60-minute sessions with the same licensed therapist every time
Root-cause approach (not just symptom treatment)
Advanced manual therapy and strength training methods
State-of-the-art equipment and individualized programs
A welcoming, empowering environment for active adults and athletes
Our mission is simple: help Norfolk move pain-free and stay active for life.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’ve been dealing with pain, stiffness, or a recent injury — don’t wait. Your body deserves better care.
👉 Book your first appointment today with Movement Is Medicine Physical Therapy in Norfolk, VA and discover how powerful movement can truly be.
Because when movement becomes your medicine, recovery becomes your lifestyle.