Physical Therapy: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write SOAP Notes

Updated January 2026

SOAP notes are essential for effective patient care and documentation in physical therapy. This guide provides detailed instructions for each section of a SOAP note, helping you understand the structure and content required for thorough documentation in the physical therapy context. By mastering SOAP notes, you can enhance patient care, ensure effective communication among healthcare providers, and maintain accurate medical records.

For specific examples, see our list of 10 Common Physical Therapy SOAP Note Examples.

Subjective Section (S)

In a physical therapy SOAP note, the Subjective section (S) captures the patient’s self-reported information about their condition and symptoms. This section provides context for the therapist to understand the patient’s perspective and experiences. Here are the specific things that should go into the Subjective section of a physical therapy SOAP note:

Subjective Section (S) Components

1. Chief Complaint:

   • The primary reason the patient is seeking physical therapy.
   • Example: "I have been experiencing lower back pain for the past two weeks."

2. History of Present Illness/Injury:

   • Details about the onset, duration, and progression of the current condition.
   • Description of how and when the injury occurred.
   • Example: "The pain started after lifting a heavy object. The pain radiates down the right leg."

3. Pain Description:

   • Location, intensity, quality, and duration of the pain.
   • Pain scale rating (e.g., 0-10 scale).
   • Example: "The patient reports a sharp pain in the lower back, rated as 7/10."

4. Functional Limitations:

   • Impact of the condition on daily activities and functions.
   • Specific tasks or activities that are difficult or impossible due to the condition.
   • Example: "The patient has difficulty bending and lifting, and experiences pain during prolonged sitting."

5. Previous Treatments and Outcomes:

   • Information on any treatments the patient has previously received for the condition.
   • The effectiveness or outcome of those treatments.
   • Example: "The patient tried over-the-counter pain medications, which provided temporary relief."

6. Relevant Medical History:

   • Any relevant past medical conditions, surgeries, or injuries.
   • Family history if applicable to the condition.
   • Example: "No previous history of back problems. The patient has a history of hypertension."

7. Medications:

   • Current medications the patient is taking, including dosage and frequency.
   • Any recent changes in medication.
   • Example: "The patient is currently taking ibuprofen 400mg as needed for pain."

8. Patient Goals:

   • The patient’s goals and expectations from physical therapy.
   • Example: "The patient hopes to return to normal activities without pain."

9. Other Relevant Information:

   • Any other information provided by the patient that may be relevant to their treatment.
   • Example: "The patient reports increased pain after sitting for long periods at work."

Example of a Subjective Section for Physical Therapy

Objective Section (O)

In a physical therapy SOAP note, the Objective section (O) captures measurable, observable, and factual data obtained during the patient’s examination. This section provides concrete evidence of the patient’s condition and progress. Here are the specific things that should go into the Objective section of a physical therapy SOAP note:

Objective Section (O) Components

1. Vital Signs:

   • Record the patient’s vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature if relevant to the session.
   • Example: "BP 120/80, HR 72, RR 16, Temp 98.6°F"

2. Physical Examination Findings:

   • Document the results of your physical examination, including inspection, palpation, and special tests.
   • Example: "Limited range of motion in the lumbar spine. Positive straight leg raise test on the right side."

3. Range of Motion (ROM):

   • Measure and record the range of motion for relevant joints or body parts.
   • Example: "Lumbar flexion: 40 degrees (normal: 60 degrees), Lumbar extension: 10 degrees (normal: 25 degrees)"

4. Strength Tests:

   • Document muscle strength using a standardized scale (e.g., 0-5 scale).
   • Example: "Muscle strength: 4/5 in the right lower extremity."

5. Posture and Gait Analysis:

   • Assess and record the patient’s posture and gait.
   • Example: "Gait assessment shows antalgic gait favoring the right side."

6. Functional Tests:

   • Record the results of any functional tests performed, such as balance tests or functional movement screenings.

7. Diagnostic Tests:

   • Include results of any diagnostic tests relevant to the physical therapy session, such as imaging reports or lab results.
   • Example: "MRI shows a herniated disc at L4-L5."

Tips:

• Be precise and factual in your documentation.
• Include only measurable and observable data.
• Use standardized scales and measurements where applicable.

Example of an Objective Section for Physical Therapy

Assessment Section (A)

In a physical therapy SOAP note, the Assessment section (A) synthesizes the information gathered in the Subjective and Objective sections to provide a clinical judgment about the patient’s condition. This section includes the therapist's professional interpretation, diagnosis, and the patient’s progress and response to treatment. Here are the specific things that should go into the Assessment section of a physical therapy SOAP note:

Assessment Section (A) Components

1. Diagnosis:

   • Provide a clinical diagnosis based on the subjective and objective findings.
   • Example: "Lumbar strain with radiculopathy."

2. Clinical Impression:

   • Include your clinical interpretation of the patient’s condition.
   • Example: "The patient’s symptoms are consistent with a lumbar strain, and the positive straight leg raise test suggests radiculopathy."

3. Functional Limitations:

   • Document the impact of the patient’s condition on their daily activities and functional abilities.
   • Example: "The patient has significant limitations in bending, lifting, and prolonged sitting due to pain."

4. Patient Progress:

   • Comment on the patient’s progress since the last visit, if applicable.
   • Example: "Since the last visit, the patient has shown a slight improvement in range of motion but continues to experience significant pain."

5. Prognosis:

   • Provide an outlook on the patient’s recovery based on their condition and response to treatment.
   • Example: "With continued physical therapy, the patient has a good prognosis for returning to normal activities within 6-8 weeks."

6. Goals:

   • Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for the patient’s treatment.
   • Example: "Short-term goal: Reduce pain to 3/10 within two weeks. Long-term goal: Restore full range of motion and strength in the lower back within eight weeks."

Tips:

• Be clear and concise in your clinical judgment.
• Use evidence-based reasoning to support your diagnosis and clinical impression.
• Set realistic and measurable goals for the patient.

Example of an Assessment Section for Physical Therapy

Plan Section (P)

Plan Section (P) Components

1. Treatment Plan:

   • Specific interventions that will be implemented to address the patient’s condition.
   • Example: "Manual therapy techniques to improve lumbar mobility."

2. Exercises:

   • Detailed description of the exercises prescribed, including the type, frequency, duration, and any progression plans.
   • Example: "Strengthening exercises for the lower back, 3 sets of 10 reps, twice daily."

3. Modalities:

   • Any therapeutic modalities that will be used, such as heat, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation.
   • Example: "Apply heat therapy to the lower back for 15 minutes before exercises."

4. Patient Education:

   • Information and instructions provided to the patient to help them manage their condition and prevent further injury.
   • Example: "Educate the patient on proper lifting techniques and ergonomic adjustments for their workstation."

5. Home Exercise Program (HEP):

   • Exercises and activities prescribed for the patient to perform at home between therapy sessions.
   • Example: "Home exercise program includes stretching exercises for the hamstrings and lower back, to be performed twice daily."

6. Referral:

   • Any referrals to other healthcare professionals or specialists if necessary.
   • Example: "Refer the patient to an orthopedic specialist if no improvement is seen in four weeks."

7. Follow-Up:

   • The plan for subsequent visits, including the frequency and duration of follow-up appointments.
   • Example: "Schedule follow-up appointments twice a week for the next four weeks to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary."

Tips:

• Be specific and detailed in your treatment plan to ensure clarity and adherence.
• Tailor the plan to the individual needs and goals of the patient.
• Ensure that the patient understands their role in the treatment plan, especially for home exercises and self-care.

Example of a Plan Section for Physical Therapy

This detailed information in the Plan section ensures that the patient receives a comprehensive and personalized treatment strategy, and helps track progress and outcomes effectively.

AI-Assisted Documentation for Physical Therapy

As of 2025, 66% of healthcare providers use AI tools in their practice. AI scribes and ambient clinical intelligence can significantly reduce documentation burden for physical therapists.

How AI Can Help with PT Documentation

• Ambient listening: AI captures patient conversations and automatically structures findings
• Measurement recognition: Accurately captures ROM values, strength grades, and functional test results
• Template generation: Creates structured notes based on verbal examination findings
• Efficiency: Reduces documentation time by up to 50-75%

PT-Specific AI Considerations

What AI captures well:

• Subjective complaints and patient history
• Treatment plan discussions
• Exercise parameters (sets, reps, frequency)
• Follow-up scheduling

What requires careful review:

• ROM measurements (verify exact numbers)
• Strength grades (confirm accuracy)
• Laterality (left vs. right)
• Special test results (positive/negative findings)

Tips for Using AI with PT Documentation

1. Speak measurements clearly: "Lumbar flexion is forty degrees" not "flexion 40"
2. Confirm laterality: "Right lower extremity strength is 4 out of 5"
3. Dictate special tests explicitly: "Straight leg raise is positive on the right at 45 degrees"
4. Review all objective findings before signing AI-generated notes

For more details, see our complete AI-Assisted Documentation Guide.

Telehealth Physical Therapy Documentation

Virtual physical therapy has become an established practice pattern, particularly for follow-ups, patient education, and home exercise program progression. Per CMS 2026 guidelines, telehealth services continue to be covered with specific documentation requirements.

Telehealth-Specific Documentation Requirements

For virtual PT visits, document:

1. Visit logistics:

   • Platform used (must be HIPAA-compliant)
   • Patient and provider locations
   • Consent for telehealth services

2. Modified objective examination:

   • What could be assessed via video (observation, patient-demonstrated ROM)
   • What could not be assessed (palpation, manual resistance testing)
   • Patient self-reported measurements if using home equipment

3. Examination limitations:

   • "ROM assessed via video observation; patient demonstrated active lumbar flexion to approximately 50 degrees"
   • "Unable to perform manual muscle testing via telehealth; strength assessed via patient-demonstrated functional movements"

Example Telehealth PT Documentation

For complete telehealth documentation guidance, see our Telehealth SOAP Notes Guide.

Free Physical Therapy SOAP Note Template

Speed up your documentation with our comprehensive physical therapy SOAP note template. This template includes all essential elements for PT evaluations, progress notes, and treatment planning.

More Template Resources

• Free SOAP Note Templates - Download templates for all specialties
• Physical Therapy Examples - See more PT documentation examples
• SOAP Note Template Hub - Browse all available templates