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When Starting Physical Therapy San Francisco Patients Should Know What To Expect

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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