5 Essential Evaluation Questions Your Physical Therapist Should Be Asking You

Colin O'Banion, DPT
Feb 25
4 min read

Updated: Apr 30

If you’ve been to physical therapy before and felt like your care wasn’t personalized, you’re not alone. Many clinics follow a symptom-focused approach—asking a few questions about the area of pain and quickly assigning basic exercises. But pain rarely exists in isolation, and the key to effective, long-term relief lies in a thorough evaluation that considers your whole body and lifestyle.

As a holistic physical therapist, I dig deeper. My goal is to uncover the root cause of your pain by asking the right questions—questions that many traditional PTs overlook. Let’s explore the five essential questions your physical therapist should be asking and why they’re critical to your recovery.

They are 5 of the questions I ask as part of my thorough, whole-person evaluation with new patients.

1. What is your surgical history (not just orthopedic surgeries)?

When people think of sharing their surgical history, they often focus on orthopaedic surgeries like knee replacements or rotator cuff repairs. But non-orthopaedic surgeries can play an equally important role in your current pain.

For example, consider how a C-section can lead to back or hip discomfort due to scar tissue and muscle imbalances in the core. Or how abdominal surgeries can affect posture, gait, and even breathing patterns. By understanding your complete surgical history, I can address how past procedures may be contributing to compensations or chronic issues.

💡 Pro Tip: When visiting a physical therapist, share all past surgeries—even those that may seem unrelated to your current pain.

2. What are your sleep habits?

Sleep is one of the most foundational aspects of health and recovery, yet it’s often overlooked in physical therapy evaluations. The quality and quantity of sleep you get each night can directly affect your body’s ability to heal, recover, and manage pain.

During your evaluation, I’ll ask questions like:

How many hours of sleep do you get per night?
Do you feel rested when you wake up?
Do you have a consistent bedtime routine?
Do you got to sleep and wake up at a consistent time?

Poor sleep can worsen pain perception, increase inflammation, and slow down the healing process. By addressing sleep issues as part of your physical therapy plan, we can help optimize your recovery.

💡 Pro Tip: If sleep quality is a concern, I’ll guide you through sleep hygiene strategies to support healing.

3. How is your sinus/airway health?

Your breathing patterns and airway health can be sneaky contributors to pain, posture issues, and even muscular imbalances. If you experience chronic stuffiness, allergies, or mouth breathing, these issues may be affecting your recovery more than you realize.

For example:

Mouth breathing can lead to tension in the neck and jaw, contributing to headaches or TMJ dysfunction.
Sinus congestion can alter how you hold your head and neck, leading to compensatory posture problems.

During our intake, I’ll evaluate whether airway health could be a factor and recommend solutions like sinus hygiene routines or referrals to someone like a functional dentist if needed.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate the connection between airway function and physical discomfort.

4. How do you manage your stress?

Stress manifests in the body in many ways, often showing up as tight muscles, pain, or chronic tension. It can also lead to poor sleep, reduced recovery, and heightened pain sensitivity. That’s why I ask questions like:

What are your current stress-management practices?
Do you engage in regular exercise, mindfulness, or social activities?
Are there any relaxation techniques or hobbies you find helpful?

If you’re lacking in stress-relief practices, we’ll work together to incorporate strategies that fit your lifestyle—whether it’s through breath work, gentle movement, or guided relaxation techniques. I personally practice qigong on a regular basis and incorporate its therapeutic movements into my physical therapy treatment.

💡 Pro Tip: Addressing stress as part of your physical therapy plan can help reduce tension-related pain and improve overall well-being.

5. How much time do you spend outdoors each week?

Time spent outdoors is one of the most underrated aspects of recovery. Exposure to natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, supports Vitamin D production, and promotes mental well-being—all of which are critical for healing.

During our evaluation, I’ll ask:

How often do you spend time outdoors?
Do you get regular sun exposure or engage in outdoor activities?

If you’re not spending enough time in nature, we’ll explore ways to integrate outdoor movement into your recovery plan—whether it’s through walking, hiking, or simply spending time in the fresh air.

💡 Pro Tip: Even 15-20 minutes of outdoor activity daily can make a difference in recovery.

Why I Take a Holistic Approach to Evaluations

At Colin O’Banion Physical Therapy, my evaluation process goes beyond the basics of traditional PT. I ask questions that help me understand your body as a whole system, not just the area of pain. By considering factors like sleep, stress, surgeries, and lifestyle habits, I can develop a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your pain and helps you achieve sustainable results.

Many clients come to me after trying conventional physical therapy without success, and they’re often surprised by how much these “small” details matter. But this is what sets holistic physical therapy apart—we leave no stone unturned.

Take the First Step Toward Comprehensive Care

If you’re tired of short-term symptom relief and want to uncover the root cause of your pain, my holistic evaluation process can help. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that addresses your body as a whole and leads to long-lasting results.