02/12/2026
GETTING TO KNOW NORTH SHORE HEALTH
I Need Physical, Occupational, or Speech Therapy: Now What?
By: Patrick O’Neil, PT, DPT, LAT; Director of Rehabilitation at NSH
North Shore Health is proud to offer the community comprehensive rehabilitation programs. This time of year brings beautiful scenery but also the occasional risk of a fall. When that happens, the last thing you need is to drive an hour or more for care. Our Rehabilitation Department continually evaluates and expands services to meet community needs- right here at home.
If you find yourself in need of services- we know starting therapy can feel a little uncertain. Knowing what to expect can make your sessions much more comfortable. Whether you’re coming for Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy (ST), or Cardiac Rehab- your care team is focused on helping you move better, function more easily, and reach your personal goals.
Here’s what a typical therapy experience looks like.
Your First Visit: The Evaluation. Your first appointment is called an evaluation. It’s designed to really get to know you and lasts about 90 minutes. Your therapist will talk with you about your medical history, current concerns, daily activities, and goals. They’ll assess things like strength, movement, balance, coordination, communication, or cognitive skills- depending on your therapy type. Together, you’ll create a personalized plan of care. This visit sets the foundation for your therapy journey.
Follow-Up Appointments. After the evaluation, you’ll attend follow-up sessions to work toward your goals. These sessions last about 45 minutes each. You’ll focus on targeted exercises, activities, education, and hands-on care to help you improve safely and steadily.
How Often Will I Come to Therapy? Most patients attend therapy 1–3 times per week, depending on their condition, goals, and therapist recommendations. Some people only need a few weeks of therapy while others may benefit from several months of care. Usually, you start with more frequent visits and gradually decrease over time. Your therapist will regularly reassess your progress and adjust the plan as needed.
What Should I Wear? Comfort is key. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement and access to the area being treated (for example, shorts for knee therapy). Athletic shoes or supportive footwear are recommended for PT and OT.
Will I Have Exercises to Do at Home? Yes. Home exercises or activities are a very important part of therapy. Your therapist will likely give you simple exercises, strategies, or activities to do between appointments. These help reinforce what you’re working on in therapy and often lead to faster, longer-lasting results. Don’t worry, you’ll be shown exactly how to do them safely.
What If My Regular Therapist Is Fully Booked? If your usual provider is unavailable, you can absolutely see another qualified therapist. All providers work as a team and follow your established plan of care, so your therapy stays consistent and effective.
Do I need a Referral? The state of Minnesota allows direct access to physical therapy, and most private insurance carriers approve it without a referral- so you can call us directly to set up an evaluation. It is always wise to check with your insurance carrier before starting any medical service, including PT, OT, and Speech Therapy. For our Medicare friends, a referral from your local provider is required to begin services. We also accept referrals from other locations, such as Essentia and Aspirus St. Luke's, as well as out-of-state providers. If you have questions, feel free to give us a call at 218 387 3040 to learn more.
A Partnership in Your Recovery. Therapy is a collaborative process. Your therapist is there to guide, support, and encourage you- but your questions, feedback, and participation matter just as much. Every appointment is another step toward greater independence, confidence, and quality of life. If you’re ever unsure about what’s happening or what comes next, just ask- we’re here to help.
Beyond your individual therapy experience, the Rehabilitation Department plays an important role in serving the broader community. We are proud to support North Shore Health’s mission of providing “Community Access to Compassionate Care” throughout Cook County. We provide comprehensive pediatric outpatient services for PT, OT, and ST and are expanding services to help meet pediatric needs at ISD 166, as well as outpatient speech therapy services for Grand Portage. We continually reassess our services to ensure they remain relevant, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of our community.
So while you’re out there in the snow and ice, the Rehabilitation Department at North Shore Health encourages you to take your time with travel and walking outside. Keep your weight forward on the bottoms of your feet, wear shoes with good traction or buy crampons to help out! You may even want to walk like a penguin to avoid a trip to the hospital. If you do happen to have a fall or have any other rehabilitation need, we’re here to help.
For more information, visit: https://www.northshorehealthgm.org. Stay tuned for future informative Getting to Know North Shore Health articles published monthly in the Cook County News Herald.
