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Patient Questions  /  What to bring to your first visit

Starting Physical Therapy

What Should I Bring to My First Physical Therapy Visit?

Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a referral or prescription if you have one, your surgeon's protocol if you've had surgery, and a list of your medications. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. A short list of your questions and goals helps you get the most from the visit.

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Your checklist

  • Photo ID and your insurance card. If you have Medicare, bring your Medicare card and any supplemental plan card.
  • A referral or prescription, if you have one. In California you can usually start without one, but some insurance plans require it.
  • After surgery: your surgeon's protocol or instructions, and the date and type of surgery.
  • Imaging reports from X-rays or MRI scans, if you have them.
  • A list of your medications, including ones you buy without a prescription.
  • Any brace, sling, boot, crutches or shoe inserts you use.
  • For a work injury: your claim number, your adjuster's name and contact information, and your doctor's prescription. See workers' comp physical therapy.

Things to think about ahead of time

  • When and how the problem started.
  • What makes it better and what makes it worse.
  • What you want to get back to, like walking, lifting your grandkids, a sport or your job.
  • Any questions you want to ask.

What to wear

Comfortable clothes that let your therapist see and move the area, like shorts for a knee problem, and supportive athletic shoes. See What should I wear to physical therapy? and What happens at the first physical therapy visit?

When to see a doctor

Some problems need a doctor before physical therapy. Get medical care first if you have:

  • Numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels: get emergency care
  • A possible broken bone, or you can't put weight on a leg
  • Calf pain, swelling or warmth, which needs to be checked for a blood clot
  • After surgery: fever, or redness, warmth or drainage at your incision

How physical therapy at ARI can help

Your first visit at ARI takes about 45 to 60 minutes, one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist. If you're not sure what to bring, call us at (661) 282-8584 before your visit.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026