Clinical Questions – Frequency of Therapy

How often do I have to come to physical therapy to get better?

Depending on what diagnosis brings you to physical therapy, the physical therapist will determine the appropriate frequency per week.  Typically, post-operative patient require 3 times a week initially and gradually progress to 1-2 times a week.  As you continue to improve, the therapist will decrease the frequency of your treatment to progress you to independent exercise.

Clinical Question – Length of Treatment

How often and how long do I need physical therapy?

Depending on your condition, the therapist will give you an approximate timeline.  On average, physical therapy is usually 2 days a week for approximately 4-6 weeks.  Patients that have an extensive past medical history might take longer to heal; therefore, requiring a longer duration of physical therapy.  Examples that affect the duration include: diabetes, age, smoking, history of slow healing wounds, malnutrition, previous injury to the area being treated, and previous surgery to the area or limb being treated.