How A Physical Therapist San Francisco, CA Can Help You

By Iva Cannon


A physical therapist or physiotherapist is a health care worker who evaluates various parts of the human body that are not functioning well or are healing. This professional treats all kinds of patients, including the elderly, children and athletes. You can consult with a physiotherapist if you have sustained severe injuries after an accident, suffered a stroke, experiencing back pain or lost a leg or an arm.

You may also seek the assistance of a physiotherapist if you have a chronic disorder that is causing pain or limited range of motion such as arthritis or osteoarthritis. You may also use physiotherapy services if you are suffering from chronic fatigue or chronic pain, abdominal pressure, lower back pain or balance problems. By using the services of a physical therapist San Francisco, CA residents can undergo rehabilitation.

Physical therapists use various methods to minimize stiffness, minimize pain and increase strength and body motion. They include ultrasound, electrical stimulation and application of heating or ice pads to the affected areas. These professionals can also treat patients using traditional, hands on techniques.

Physical therapists usually work in clinics, medical centers, the offices of doctors, nursing homes, schools or their own clinics. Some physiotherapists can also come to your home to treat you if you cannot travel. These professionals are knowledgeable about treating all kinds of musculoskeletal or neuromuscular dysfunctions.

After scheduling the first appointment with a patient, a physiotherapist first evaluates his or her injuries. The professional considers if the patient is feeling pain or finding it difficult to move certain body parts. The professional can also contact the primary care physician of the patient to get additional information about the problem he or she is suffering from. The physiotherapist will also seek to learn as much as possible about the condition from the patient.

Some of the questions that your physiotherapist may ask are how the injury occurred, when the problem first began and if the condition has been getting worse. The professional may also seek to know if you have ever suffered from the problem before, if you have seen any other medical professional for care and if you have taken any medicines intended to treat the problem. A physiotherapist may also ask about your occupation, your work responsibilities and your favorite activities or interests.

A physiotherapist will also watch your physical condition as you attempt to move in different ways like reaching, bending or walking. He or she will try to determine how well you can move. The professional may use his or her hands to feel your muscles and note your moisture level and temperature.

Physical therapists can also test for muscle strength and degree of sensation. If patients have a back, neck or neurological disorder, these professionals can perform special exams such as nerve response tests and specialized muscle studies. After they evaluate the condition of their patients, physiotherapists analyze the information and come up with an effective treatment plan.

In some cases, physical therapists advise their patients to utilize therapeutic medical devices such as artificial limbs, wheelchairs, canes, braces and crutches. Hiring a competent physiotherapist is essential. To find such a professional, San Francisco residents can seek recommendations from the family doctors or from relatives or friends who have recently consulted with a physiotherapist.




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