Physiotherapy Treatment Goals

1st stage or Primary infection (PH):

• Build muscle mass, and strength
• Develop aerobic fitness for psychological well being, overall health

2nd stage or Asymptomatic (Latency Phase):

• Increase and maintain muscle mass, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness

3rd stage or Symptomatic HIV infection/AIDS (Crisis Phase):

• Provide physiotherapy to treat specific AIDS defining illness
• Maintain or promote physical mobility and ambulation
• Pain management
• Maintain respiratory, circulatory function
• Promote physical and functional independence
• Reduce disability and physical impairment
• Prevent muscle atrophy

End stages goals (palliative care) (Crisis Phase):

• Provide honest and continual education to patient and family regarding status of HIV infection and AIDS.
• Pain management
• Prevent muscle and joint contractures