New Patient Education6 min readUpdated April 2, 2026

What to expect at your first visit at Robb PT & Chiro

Walking into a clinic for the first time can feel like a lot — especially if you've been carrying pain for a while. The first visit at Robb PT & Chiro is built around understanding you, not rushing you. Here's what the day usually looks like, so you can show up calm and ready.

Derek and Kelly Robb, the Robb PT & Chiro care team, standing together outdoors in Sidney, Nebraska

Before you arrive

When you request an appointment, our team will reach out to confirm your time and share any forms to fill out. Doing those at home, when you're not rushed, often makes the visit feel smoother.

Wear something comfortable that gives easy access to the area you want help with — loose shorts for a knee concern, a soft tee for a shoulder concern, layered clothing for a back assessment.

  • A list of medications and recent imaging if you have it
  • Notes about what makes your symptoms better or worse

The conversation comes first

Your visit starts with a real conversation. Your clinician will ask about what you're feeling, when it started, what you've already tried, and what life looks like — work, sport, sleep, stress, the whole picture.

This is the part that often surprises people. It's quiet, focused, and unrushed. The goal is to understand the story behind your symptoms before reaching for any treatment.

Movement assessment

Next, your therapist will guide you through a movement screen. That may include posture, range of motion, balance, strength testing, and gentle hands-on assessment of joints or soft tissue.

Nothing is meant to be painful. If something flares your symptoms, we slow down and adjust. Everything is explained as we go.

Your initial care plan

By the end of the visit you'll have a clear picture of what's likely going on, what care may help, and how often we'll plan to see you. A care plan often includes hands-on treatment, guided movement, and a small set of exercises to do between visits.

We don't lock anyone into a long, rigid schedule. Plans are reviewed often and adjusted as you progress.

Same-day treatment, when appropriate

When time allows, we begin treatment the same day — gentle hands-on work, movement coaching, and a few exercises to take home. You'll leave with a sense of momentum, not just a follow-up appointment.

A good first visit is mostly listening. Treatment that fits comes from understanding what's actually going on.

◆ Talk it through

Not sure where to start?

Request an appointment and Robb PT & Chiro can help guide your next step. Most patients are seen the same week.

Common questions

Do I need a referral to come in?

In most cases, no. Nebraska allows direct access to physical therapy. Our team can help confirm what your situation requires.

How long is the first visit?

Plan for about 60 minutes so we can take our time with the evaluation and start treatment if appropriate.

Will I be sore afterward?

Some people feel a little muscle fatigue after the first session. That's normal. Anything that feels off should be reported so we can adjust.

This article is for general education and does not replace personalized care. Speak with the clinic about what you're experiencing.

Ready when you are

Tell us what's going on. We'll take it from here.

Most patients are seen the same week.