Management of patients with chronic renal failure. Role of physical therapy

Chronic renal failure can lead to multiple medical and physical problems requiring physical therapy treatment. The purpose of this article is to provide an understanding of the medical treatment and the complications of chronic renal failure. Medically, patients with chronic renal failure are treated by hemodialysis, by peritoneal dialysis, or with a kidney transplant. The physical therapy management of the patient on dialysis and that of the patient with a kidney transplant differs as to the extent and aggressiveness of the program. Providing the proper physical therapy program for patients with chronic renal failure is often a challenge because of such complications as congestive heart failure and peripheral neuropathies. Physical therapy is a necessary part of the rehabilitation of the patient with chronic renal failure.