Basic Facts About Physical Therapy San Francisco Patients Will Want To Know

By Iva Cannon


If someone has been injured in an accident or is afflicted with either an acute condition such as a stroke or congenital disorder which somehow restricts the ability to move normally, physical therapy may be recommended. The physical therapist provides patients with a care plan based on their specific needs to help them regain normal mobility. If they wish to learn more about what to expect from physical therapy San Francisco CA patients will find this information useful.

Individuals with ongoing health disorders which cause pain and difficulty with movement, as well as anyone who has endured an injury which has impaired their mobility in a similar manner, can begin the journey to recovery with the help of a dedicated physical therapist. These professionals provide patients with the tools they need to move and live more comfortably, both through a course of exercises and by making any necessary rehabilitation equipment available.

Physical therapists are required to earn a master's degree or doctorate in their discipline from an accredited educational facility and pass a state licensing exam before they can practice. They thoroughly assess the cause of pain and limited mobility in each patient, and develop a treatment plan which will most effectively address these issues, and hopefully eliminate the need for medications or surgery.

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.

Patient education plays a significant role in many physical therapy programs. The therapist will show them not only safer ways to go about doing their regular activities, but also more ergonomically conscious techniques they can implement in the workplace so they can continue to work without hindering their recovery process or causing further injuries.

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.

Therapists may also use either deep tissue or soft tissue mobilization massage as part of their patient's treatment, the former is used primarily to ease pain while the latter is most effective for restoring normal function to damaged tissues. All details of the patient's progress in therapy will be communicated by the therapist to the primary care physician, and modification will be made to the plan as indicated by the patient's advancements.




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