Dr. Anjana Wilkerson, MPT/DPT – Southern California Sports Rehabilitation

We interviewed Dr. Anjana Wilkerson, MPT/DPT about her approaches to patient care using physical and aquatic therapy. Dr. Wilkerson has been a physical therapist for over 23 years, most of them in our West Covina, CA physical therapy office.

WHAT IS PHYSICAL THERAPY?

When an individual is injured or not physically functioning at their full potential due to any means and was examined by a medical doctor, they may find themselves with a referral to seek physical therapy.

Often, they are not explained what physical therapy would entail and what their role in rehab will be. High percentage of the limitations patients suffer will not heal on their own. It will require a Board certified, skilled physical therapist with experience to get you to your prior level of function. Physical therapy will use exercises, modalities, manuals, and procedures to help maintain joints integrity and muscles strength to their full potential.

YOUR FIRST PHYSICAL THERAPY APPOINTMENT: WHAT IT WILL LOOK LIKE?

A highly trained physical therapist will perform a thorough examination obtaining subjective and objective information in regard to but limited to patient’s current condition with their chief concerns, prior function to help set goals, medical and social history information will be collected and employment status will be noted along with the therapist reviewing any diagnostics that are available to help set a treatment plan that is personal to an individual’s specific needs so they may progress to full function in the most efficient way possible.

This is the point in which trust and foundation will be laid out and used to help guide and advance the patient. The physical therapist will be available to the patient for all concerns and questions during the duration of their treatment.

PHYSICAL THERAPY: THE RESULTS

The results of all treatments are very similar; restore function, increase mobility and strength with decreasing pain. The results may mean something different to each patient. For some this may be returning to regular duty, driving, being able to play with their children or grandchildren. For others it may be getting back to independence again (cooking their own meals, shopping for themselves, showering/dressing, etc.).

And lastly it just may mean that you are able to be with your friends and family and participate in all the activities that may have kept you from them. Results will only come with compliancy.

The discipline physical therapy suggests in the name that you may have to be physical, This is where exercises come in. The motions a patient may have stopped moving into due to pain will now be asked to perform but with skill and guidance behind it.

All our Aquatic locations have a hoist to aid those patients that may find using the stairs a challenge with entrance in and out of the pool.

A patient’s comfort and pain level will always be taken into consideration. Fear of any movement will be tackled by both the therapist and the patient.

The patient will have the “ah ha” moment and see that they can do the things they thought they could no longer do. After a series of appointments patients will notice a decrease in pain and an increase in function.

Latest Physical Therapy News –

• A doctor visit is no longer necessary. a patient can come in for 12 visits without a doctor’s prescription!
• Southern California Sports Rehabilitation has been offering market-leading physical therapy, aquatic therapy and acupuncture since 1993!
• We have 6 physical therapy and 9 aquatic therapy locations around Southern California