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.

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 and therapist will work together as a team to set some goals and devise a plan to achieve them. A basic component of most treatment plans is a course of actions which will help one more easily carry out day-to-day activities with less pain and in such a way that healing is not hindered. The therapist can show the patient new ways to do things that will encourage recovery, and also provide him or her with any necessary assistive equipment.

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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