What to Expect at Your First Physical Therapy Evaluation

Starting physical therapy can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming—especially if you’re not quite sure what that first appointment will look like. At Sparq Physical Therapy in Castle Rock, we believe your evaluation should leave you feeling heard, supported, and confident about your path forward.

Whether you’re coming in for sports or orthopedic concerns, chronic pain, pelvic floor symptoms, or vestibular issues, your first physical therapy evaluation sets the foundation for everything that comes next. Here’s exactly what to expect when you walk into Sparq PT for your first visit.

How Long Is a Physical Therapy Evaluation?

Your evaluation time depends on your specific needs:

60 minutes:

For sports injuries, orthopedic concerns, running-related pain, post-operative care, or chronic pain.

90 minutes:

For specialty evaluations, including:

• Pelvic floor physical therapy

• Vestibular and dizziness evaluations

• Prenatal and postpartum assessments

We intentionally schedule longer, one-on-one evaluations so you never feel rushed, and so we can truly understand your body, your goals, and what matters most to you.

What Makes Sparq Physical Therapy Evaluations Different?

Most patients tell us they’re surprised—in the best way—by how thorough and personalized their evaluation feels. At many clinics, evaluations are short, split between multiple providers, or squeezed into a busy schedule.

At Sparq Physical Therapy, our evaluations are:

One-on-One

You work directly with a Doctor of Physical Therapy for your entire visit.

Personalized and goal-focused

Your unique lifestyle, activity level, and long-term goals guide the plan—not a generic checklist.

Root-cause oriented

We look beyond the symptoms to understand why the pain or dysfunction is happening.

Movement-centered

We don’t just treat the injured area—we assess how your whole body moves as a system.

Your story and your goals shape everything we do. That’s what sets Sparq apart.

What Happens During a Physical Therapy Evaluation?

1. A Conversation to Understand Your History

We start with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and movement habits. This includes questions about:

• When and how symptoms started

• What makes them better or worse

• Activity level, training routines, work demands

• Sleep, stress, and daily habits

• Your personal goals

This is where we uncover the “clues” behind your pain or movement limitations.

2. Movement and Strength Assessment

Next, we take you through a comprehensive full-body movement exam. This may include:

• Posture and alignment

• Mobility and range of motion

• Strength testing

• Balance and stability

• Functional movement patterns (squats, lifts, run mechanics, etc.)

• Special orthopedic or neurologic tests

For pelvic floor or vestibular evaluations, this may include:

• Breath & Core Mechanics

• Autonomic & Oculomotor Assessment

• Vestibular & Cerebellar Assessment

• External & Internal pelvic floor exam (optional and always consent-based)

3. Hands-On Assessment

Your physical therapist may also use hands-on techniques during your evaluation to assess:

• Soft tissue mobility

• Joint mobility

• Alignment

• Tender points or patterns of tension

  

This lets us confirm what we’re seeing in your movement exam.

4. Clear Diagnosis & Plan of Care

Before your session ends, we review:

• What we found

• Why it matters

• How it’s impacting your movement

• What your recovery timeline looks like

• How many sessions we recommend

• What we’ll focus on together

We always make sure you understand the why behind your symptoms—not just the “here’s what’s wrong.”

5. Your First Treatment Session Begins Day One

Unlike many clinics, we don’t spend the entire appointment just evaluating. You’ll leave your first session with:

• Foundational exercises

• Education on how your body is moving &. how we can improve it

You’ll walk out already moving better, clearer on your diagnosis, and knowing exactly what comes next.

Why a Thorough PT Evaluation Matters

A physical therapy evaluation is more than a diagnosis—it’s the roadmap to your recovery. At Sparq Physical Therapy, our goal is never just to treat your pain. Our goal is to restore your confidence, help you move with ease, and get you back to the activities that make you feel like you again.

The more we understand about your body and your goals, the more effective and efficient your results will be.

Ready to Start Physical Therapy in Castle Rock?

If you’re looking for a highly personalized, one-on-one physical therapy evaluation in Castle Rock, Sparq PT is here to support you—whether you’re an athlete, a busy parent, someone dealing with pain, or navigating pelvic floor or vestibular concerns.

Your first step starts with a comprehensive, compassionate evaluation designed to give you clarity and direction.

Book your physical therapy evaluation at Sparq Physical Therapy today. Let’s help you feel strong, mobile, and confident again.