At the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, physical therapists offer an individualized, hands-on approach to help restore strength, mobility and flexibility. Certified physical therapists can help reduce pain after surgery, and treat sports injuries, mobility-related problems and overuse syndromes.

Once you’ve received a referral for physical therapy services from your doctor, you can call the PAMF Physical Therapy Department at (650) 853-3355 to make an appointment. Here is some information and a few helpful tips to make your first physical therapy appointment the best it can be.

What to Expect

At your first appointment with the Physical Therapy Department, a licensed physical therapist will evaluate your injury or condition, identify functional limitations and the cause of any symptoms. The therapist will then prescribe an individualized treatment plan designed to enable you to resume normal activities. While being treated in PAMF's Department of Physical Therapy, you will have access to special programs and highly-sophisticated equipment.

When to Arrive

On the day of your first appointment, please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time in order to complete the necessary paperwork needed for your session. If you were given a physician referral, please bring that document with you to the appointment.

What to Wear

Wear or bring comfortable exercise clothes. It is best to have the injured area exposed to allow proper treatment. For example, shorts are preferable for people with knee injuries. If the injured area is not accessible, a therapist may provide a gown for you to wear.

Bring any braces or other adaptive devices that have been prescribed by your physician. 

If your appointment will include use of the therapy pool, bring a swimsuit, towel and change of clothes. You may also want to bring water shoes or socks to wear in the pool.

Lockers and Showers

There are two locker rooms, one for men and one for women, with showers at the facility. Please bring your own towel if you plan to shower. You may request a locker and exchange your car keys for a locker key when you check in for your appointment.