The role of physical therapy in improving physical functioning of renal patients

Although not traditionally a part of the dialysis team, physical therapists can play an important role in improving the quality of life for dialysis patients. Physical therapists are trained to evaluate the presence of a functional problem such as back pain, muscle weakness, limited range of motion, balance disorder, alteration in gait, joint pain, neuropathic pain, sensory disturbance, loss of functional mobility, or alteration in posture. Many of these conditions are prevalent in the dialysis population. This article describes how a patient is referred to physical therapy, and once referred, how the patient is evaluated and treated, including goal setting and progression. It is thought that early referral of dialysis patients to physical therapy may prevent some of the functional deterioration typically seen in this population. The incorporation of physical therapy as part of the routine treatment plan may help dialysis staff to address many of the regular nonspecific complaints of fatigue, malaise, pain, and discomfort commonly experienced by dialysis patients.