Information About Physical Therapy San Francisco Patients Should Know

By Iva Cannon


Physical therapy can help make life easier and less painful for those who are coping with chronic disorders or injuries which have impaired their ability to move. A physical therapist works with each patient using a combination of techniques to help restore or regain strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. When beginning a course of physical therapy San Francisco CA patients may find the following information to be helpful.

Whether a person has been injured, suffered a stroke, or has a degenerative disease such as Parkinson's which considerably restricts their movement, walking, and daily activities, he or she can benefit from the care provided by a physical therapist. The primary objective of these healthcare professionals is to provide patients with the instruction, equipment, and exercises they need to recover.

A master's degree in physical therapy is the minimum educational requirement for one to practice in this discipline, and many therapists have also earned a doctorate from an accredited school. A state licensing exam must also be successfully taken before a person can practice. These professionals are responsible for evaluating each patient, identifying the source of pain or immobility, and coming up with an appropriate course of treatment that will eliminate the need for surgery or medications.

The purpose of the first session with the therapist will be to obtain a detailed health history of the patient and determine the nature of the problem which requires treatment. Several tests will likely be done to evaluate the patient's body mechanics, flexibility, functional activities, and gait, pinpoint problems, and select the most suitable form of treatment.

The patient will work with the therapist to determine which goals to set, and how these can best be accomplished. Just performing regular everyday activities is a priority for most patients, and this is usually made possible through the right combination of improved methods of movement which reduce pain and encourage healing, home exercise programs, and if needed, home safety or personal mobility aids.

An integral element in any successful care program is patient education. Therapists help patients learn new, safer ways to carry out normal tasks as well as work-related activities, which typically includes modifying one's workplace in an ergonomic manner so it will allow one to go about their job without creating a set-back in his or her recovery.

Therapists often implement the use of various fitness machines in their patients' care plans. Equipment such as stationary bikes, treadmills, and stair-climbers are effective for improving one's cardio output, strength and endurance. Regular exercises which are used to restore strength or mobility to a joint or muscle group are also a major component of many therapy programs and these may include proprioception, passive and active range of motion, and postural correction exercises.

Massage is another form of therapy that the therapist may employ; both soft tissue mobilization, and deep tissue massage may be used depending on the nature of the injury or condition being addressed. As the patient makes progress, the therapist will communicate these details to the primary care physician and make changes to the plan as needed to meet the patient's ability to take on new challenges.




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