Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Information About Physical Therapy San Francisco Patients Should Know

Information About Physical Therapy San Francisco Patients Should Know

By Iva Cannon


Many people who have been injured or suffer from a chronic condition benefit from undergoing physical therapy. Various methods are used to help patients gradually improve their coordination, strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance, under the direct care of a physical therapist. Before starting physical therapy San Francisco CA patients should find out what they can expect.

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.

Together, the patient and therapist will establish some goals and decide how to accomplish them. Being able to perform one's daily activities is usually part of this strategy, and it is best facilitated by a combination of exercises to reduce pain and promote healing, along with the use of personal mobility or home safety equipment to assist in their recovery. They will also be taught ways to do these tasks which can minimize discomfort.

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.




About the Author:



Share This

No comments:

Post a Comment

Designed By Blogger Templates