The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors
Physical therapy for seniors is an increasingly popular treatment. Seniors, as well as people with chronic conditions, often struggle with limited range of movement. Physical therapy can greatly improve mobility and motion, especially for older people. This type of therapy can also help you recover from, or cope with, a life-changing and potentially debilitating condition, such as a stroke or diabetes. Importantly, most people who experience a fall will need to undergo physical therapy for seniors to build up their strength and confidence.
A physical therapist is a trusted health care professional who can help you address health challenges, maintain or achieve your desired level of fitness, and recover from injury. In many cases, a physical therapist can help you do all these things without the use of medication. If you’re curious about the benefits of physical therapy, especially as an aging adult, now might be the time to talk to your doctor.
Why a Physical Therapist?
Maintaining a desired level of fitness gets even more challenging as we age. Our flexibility, strength, and balance all decrease with age. Physical therapists can be essential for helping older adults preserve and improve balance as they age. This, in turn, can prevent emergencies, like falls.
Medical alert systems, like those offered by Alert1, are crucial to reaching help and safety after a fall. But we don’t think an alert system should be your only anti-fall strategy. We believe in stopping falls before they happen. A physical therapist can help with that.
According to the National Aging Council, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among seniors. While steps can be taken to “fall proof” a home, working with a physical therapist will strengthen your balance to help prevent falls in the first place. In the process, you’ll also learn more about your body, which muscles you need to work on, and how to recover after injury.
After an initial diagnostic session, your physical therapist will recommend movement activities that emphasize strength, flexibility, and proper gait. Exercises may include a walking regimen, Tai Chi, aquatics classes, or a special strengthen training regimen customized for you.
If you think you or a loved one might benefit from physical therapy, search the national database of physical therapist members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and find a physical therapist that is right for you. The benefits of physical therapy for seniors are endless. Talk to your doctor today about how to find one to suit your specific needs.