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.
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.
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.
Various types of fitness equipment may be implemented, including such machines as stair-climbers, treadmills, or stationary bikes which are used to gradually build strength and endurance, or improve cardiovascular output. Therapeutic exercise without the use of equipment are also performed to restore normal movement and strength to a joint or muscle group and can include both active and passive range of motion, proprioception, 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.
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.
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.
Various types of fitness equipment may be implemented, including such machines as stair-climbers, treadmills, or stationary bikes which are used to gradually build strength and endurance, or improve cardiovascular output. Therapeutic exercise without the use of equipment are also performed to restore normal movement and strength to a joint or muscle group and can include both active and passive range of motion, proprioception, 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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