Friday, April 10, 2015

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.

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.

In order to practice as a physical therapist, one must obtain at least a master's degree from an accredited educational institution, then he or she must successfully pass a state licensing exam. Their job is to assess each patient's unique case and identify the sources of pain or restricted movement, then devise a plan which addresses these issues through appropriate treatment which will hopefully prevent 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.

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.

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.

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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