Calaid Home Healthcare, LLC offers physical therapy to patients in their home. Our physical therapists are trained to address a range of physical conditions with safe and effective techniques.
Who Needs Physical Therapy?
Patients may need physical therapy if they’ve sustained an injury or been diagnosed with an illness that causes pain, physical impairment, or reduced range of motion. Physical therapists treat patients of all ages, but may choose to specialize in treating a certain population, like children, the elderly, or athletes.
Regardless of the patient’s age, a physical therapy evaluation may be necessary before the therapist can develop a treatment plan.
A few problems physical therapists are trained to evaluate and treat include:
- Stroke
- Fractures
- Arthritis and other degenerative tissue disorders
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Spinal cord injury
- Amputations
- Sports injuries
- Scar tissue buildup
- Down Syndrome
- Incontinence
- Chronic pain
- Traumatic brain injury
- Multiple sclerosis
Patients should speak with their healthcare provider to find out if they can benefit from physical therapy. They may need a referral from their primary care physician to obtain treatment. Physical therapists work closely with patients, physicians, and family members to ensure safe and rapid recovery.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy
Depending on the patient’s illness or condition, physical therapy may offer the following benefits:
- Fall prevention
- Improved balance
- Avoiding surgery
- Improved mobility and movement
- Recovery from stroke, paralysis, injury, or trauma
- Pain management with reduced need for opioids
- Management of age-related medical issues
How to Prepare For Physical Therapy
Before choosing a physical therapist, patients should ask questions about the therapist’s background, training, and experience. Some PTs are clinical specialists who focus on treating specific problems. It’s important to ask about insurance coverage, their cancellation or no-show policy, and what to wear to an appointment.
The physical therapist will work with the patient to set specific treatment goals. Patients should be prepared to discuss their expectations and preferences during the first appointment. They should also ask questions about treatment during the session to ensure they understand what to expect.
What to Expect During The Initial Assessment
During the first session, the physical therapist will evaluate and assess the patient’s overall condition by asking questions, taking measurements, and testing the patient with various exercises. These exercises may test the patient’s:
- Strength
- Balance
- Pain level
- Flexibility
- Joint mobility
- Cardiac function
- Range of motion
- Neurological function
- Pulmonary function
- Overall functional mobility
After evaluating the patient, the physical therapist will make a prognosis and develop strategies to help meet the patient’s treatment goals.
What to Expect During Physical Therapy
Each physical therapist has a unique approach to treatment, utilizing a variety of techniques and treatment methods to treat pain and stiffness, improve motion and strength, and increase mobility. Physical therapy may also use heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to deliver results. Patients who need to improve their mobility may benefit from manual techniques.
A typical session may include therapeutic exercise, stretches, light therapy, and compression wrapping. The physical therapist will educate the patient about their condition or illness and provide tips for speeding up recovery. Patients may also be instructed to perform certain exercises at home.