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.
At the initial appointment with the therapist, the patient will be asked a series of questions pertaining to his or her general health and the condition for which treatment is being sought. The therapist will also conduct several tests that allow him or her to evaluate aspects of the patient's movement such as gait, body mechanics, functional activities, and flexibility. These findings will be used to determine the best approach to 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.
An important part of therapy is patient education. Simply learning how one can help speed up their own healing by choosing how he or she moves, and arranging their work environment in an ergonomic manner allows the patient to recover while still going about their normal life and lowers the chance of more injuries.
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.
At the initial appointment with the therapist, the patient will be asked a series of questions pertaining to his or her general health and the condition for which treatment is being sought. The therapist will also conduct several tests that allow him or her to evaluate aspects of the patient's movement such as gait, body mechanics, functional activities, and flexibility. These findings will be used to determine the best approach to 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.
An important part of therapy is patient education. Simply learning how one can help speed up their own healing by choosing how he or she moves, and arranging their work environment in an ergonomic manner allows the patient to recover while still going about their normal life and lowers the chance of more injuries.
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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