lundi 6 avril 2015

When Starting Physical Therapy San Francisco Patients Should Know What To Expect

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.

People whose ordinary actions such as walking are made difficult or painful due to an illness or injury have hope for an improved lifestyle, with the assistance of a compassionate physical therapist. Physical therapy arms those with impaired mobility with the understanding, exercises, and equipment they may need in order to recover or improve substantially from their affliction.

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.

During the first appointment, the therapist will obtain a complete medical background of the patient, and he or she will also perform several diagnostic tests to evaluate various aspects of the patient's movement which will help pinpoint the nature of the problem. Tests to assess the patient's functional activities, gait, flexibility, and body mechanics will be carried out, and based on these findings, a therapy plan will be made.

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.

Exercise is central to any physical therapy plan, and it may be done with or without the use of fitness machines. Patients may use equipment such as treadmills, stationary bikes, or stair-climbers to increase their endurance, strength, and cardio output, and they may also practice a series of therapeutic movements at home or in the therapist's office to improve strength and motion to a muscle group or joint which may include postural correction, proprioception, and passive or active range of motion exercises.

Some patients may also benefit from the use of massage in their treatment plan, either deep tissue or soft tissue mobilization variations may be utilized depending on the type of disorder or injury. Any progress the patient makes in therapy will be reported to his or her primary care physician by the therapist, who will continue to modify the plan as needed.




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