From Rehab to Recovery: A Typical Day at Sapphire PT

Welcome to a behind-the-scenes look at a typical day at Sapphire Physical Therapy. We love helping people restore movement, recover from injury, and get back to the things they enjoy. Grab your coffee (or water bottle) and follow along.

7:50 AM — Clinic Opens: Gearing Up for the Day

The lights flick on, the front doors open, and the day begins.

Our support staff reviews the day’s schedule, checks new patient paperwork, and ensures all therapy rooms, treatment tables, and equipment are ready.

Therapists arrive, greet each other, review notes, and get focused and energized to help patients move and feel their best.

8:00 AM — First Patients Arrive: Progress Testing & Plan Updates

We begin the day with a patient in for knee rehab progress testing.

Ben measures strength using the handheld dynamometer (shown here), range of motion, balance, and functional tasks — like hopping.

Using evidence-based assessments, the patient’s tailored plan is updated to reflect progress and outline next steps.

9:00 AM Treatment in Action: Hands-On

Next, a session focuses on spinal pain and mobility.

Jesse uses manual therapy techniques, soft-tissue mobilization, joint mobilizations, and integrated dry needling (what’s shown in the photo).

Following manual therapy, the patient performs targeted movement drills, stretching, and strengthening exercises.

10:00 AM — Specialty Session: Running Gait Analysis

A runner comes in for a gait analysis.

We set up 2D video cameras and RunScribe sensors to capture multiple angles on the treadmill. John reviews footage frame-by-frame, identifies inefficiencies, provides cues, and re-tests. A customized strength and movement program is created to correct deficits and optimize performance.

12:00 PM — Lunch & Afternoon Prep

Therapists and staff enjoy a brief lunch and regroup.

We discuss any tricky referrals, patient progress, and adjustments to plans. We ensure all rooms and equipment are cleaned and ready for the afternoon.

1:00 PM — Foot & Ankle / Orthotics Work

A patient arrives for custom foot orthotics.

John scans their feet using 3D digital technology (Amfit).

Gait, foot posture, and movement patterns are also assessed. Orthotics are fabricated and adjusted on-site. Patient will later try orthotics in shoes; adjustments are then made for fit, comfort, and alignment.

2:00 PM — Shoulder Rehab

A patient experiences shoulder pain after a weekend of yard work.

Andrew guides strengthening for both large back muscles and small rotator cuff stabilizers. They discuss practical modifications for daily activities and work tasks to reduce strain.

Functional movements — reaching, lifting, and carrying — are tailored to the patient’s lifestyle and goals.

3:00 PM — Pelvic Floor Initial Evaluation

A new patient arrives for pelvic floor physical therapy.

With Aly, they discuss symptoms, history, and goals in addition to postpartum recovery, leakage, pelvic pain, or core weakness.

Full-body screen assesses breathing, hip, core, and pelvic floor strength, and system tolerance to impact. Pelvic floor muscle assessment is performed lying down and in standing to evaluate coordination, tension, and strength. A personalized plan is then created including education, at-home strategies, and initial exercises.

4:00 PM — Hip Rehab: Restoring Strength & Confidence

A patient begins rehab for hip pain.

Mobility exercises are provided to improve hip range of motion and feelings of stiffness.

Strength training helps the patient regain confidence with day-to-day activities and work toward getting back to hiking.

5:00 PM — Return to Sport / Functional Drills

An athlete works on return-to-sport training.

Agility ladders, cones, dynamic movement drills, plyometrics, and balance tools are used. Cutting, jumping, deceleration, and sport-specific movements are tested.

All are done with the goal of bridging the gap from rehab to high-level performance.

6:00 PM — Wrap-Up & Reflection

As the last patient leaves, the clinic quiets down.

Therapists finish documentation, review progress notes, and update plans for upcoming sessions. Equipment is cleaned and rooms are reset for the next day.

Team members reflect on the day’s wins: patients achieving milestones, improved function, and small daily successes.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Recovery?

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing pain, or training to get back to your favorite activities, Sapphire Physical Therapy is here to help. Our team of skilled therapists provides personalized care using evidence-based techniques, cutting-edge technology, and a patient-centered approach.

Schedule your appointment today and start your journey toward movement, strength, and confidence.

Give us a call at 406-549-5283.