10 Benefits Of Physical Therapy To Seniors
Introduction
Physical therapy benefits seniors in all sorts of ways, both physically and emotionally. Recent research has shown that physical therapists are also capable of helping to reduce the chances for future falls, which is a major concern for many older adults.
Physical therapy for seniors can help with a number of physical difficulties. Here are 10 benefits that a senior may experience when he or she receives physical therapy treatment.
Physical Therapy Benefits Seniors
10 Benefits Of Physical Therapy To Seniors
1. Reduces The Chance Of Falls
One of the most common issues that older adults experience in their day-to-day lives is falling. Even if they have never experienced falls before, it will eventually become inevitable. Physical therapists are trained in a number of different techniques to help reduce the chances of this happening. Physical therapists will also teach patients how to move within their limitations and to make necessary adjustments so that they are able to stay safe within their environment. Physical therapists will also teach patients how to move within their limitations and to make necessary adjustments so that they are able to stay safe within their environment.
Physical therapists are also trained to help people with certain physical factors, such as vision and hearing, which can affect a person’s balance.
2. Reduces The Risk Of Developing Osteoporosis
As we age, our bones are subject to different issues, such as growing thinner. This is brought on by a number of different factors from genetics to lifestyle choices, such as smoking and even the type of foods that we eat.
Physical therapy can help alleviate some of these issues by giving the person physical movement and strengthening exercises. When you have a physical therapist work with you, they will be able to test your range of motion so that they can determine what areas need extra attention. Physical therapists are also trained to identify areas where your bone structure is deficient or thin and to find ways to stimulate bone growth within those areas.
3. Reduces The Risk Of Developing Gout
Gout is one disorder that older adults are sometimes less likely to be aware of. It can cause pain in the joints, such as ankles and knees and can affect the rate of uric acid in your blood. As a result, you may develop serious joint pain which can make it harder for you to move around or get around easily.
Gout sufferers can often experience serious pain, as well as fatigue and swelling in their joints. Physical therapy is one therapy that is especially useful for this condition because it will be able to ease some of the symptoms related to these issues.
4. Helps With Balance And Coordination
The problems with balance that often arise in older adults are one reason that falls are so prevalent. Physical therapy can help reduce the possibility of falling because it targets areas that may cause older adults to trip and fall. If you have problems with balance or coordination, physical therapy can help improve your skills and increase your flexibility and stability.
Physical therapists are trained to recognize various issues relating to balance, including poor core strength, as well as learning how these issues can be corrected.
5. Builds Muscle Strength For Better Walking
Although strength training for older adults is an important component of a physical therapist’s treatment plan, just a basic strength training program will not provide much benefit. “Physical therapy concentrates on building muscle strength specifically for the muscle groups needed to help older adults improve their walking.
In addition to strength training, a physical therapist can also use other techniques such as exercise done while lying down or sitting up (functional movements), and exercise done in standing (weight-shifting and walking).
6. Provides Treatment For Chronic Pain
Pain is one of the most common problems for older adults. It can be caused by anything from sore muscles to arthritis to injuries sustained during an automobile accident. Physical therapists are instrumental in helping reduce and manage chronic pain because they focus on the specific areas where pain exists. The physical therapist may use heat or ice, or electrical stimulation (TENS) to ease the pain.
7. Focuses On Mobility
The goal for many older adults is to maintain their independence by staying in their own homes. Physical therapists often help facilitate this goal through exercises that use the muscles and endurance needed to continue living independently.
8. Can Help Patients With Limited Mobility From Conditions Like Arthritis
Arthritis, which affects more than 20 million Americans over the age of 65, is caused by inflammation of a joint. If left untreated, this inflammation can lead to a sharp increase in pain accompanied by swelling and stiffness, resulting in loss of mobility in the affected joint(s). After an acute attack, the affected joint may be damaged to the extent that it won’t work properly anymore.
Physical therapy is one of the leading treatments to help alleviate pain for people who suffer from arthritis. Not only that, physical therapy is also a way to help manage the symptoms associated with arthritis so that you are able to live as normally as possible.
9. Reduces Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, which affects about 27 percent of adults age 65 and older, can be caused by a number of different factors, including genetics, and an unhealthy lifestyle. One form of treatment that can help reduce blood pressure is exercise and physical therapy is no exception. Physical therapists are trained to teach older adults how to maintain proper body positioning as well as balance exercises in order to stay healthy and avoid high blood pressure.
10. Helps With Depression And Emotions
Physical therapists are certified to help older adults with different medical conditions, such as depression, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Depression can be treated in a variety of ways, including talking therapies and medication. Physical therapy can be done by itself or together with a physician’s guidance.
Conclusion
The benefits of physical therapy for older adults are numerous, they are not limited to the problems associated with mobility and balance, which are two of the most common issues. Physical therapists are trained to recognize all of the issues that may come with aging and can help you manage them so you can live a more fulfilling life. In addition, they will provide treatment that is tailored to your needs rather than relying on generalized solutions.
With physical therapy, you can be confident that you will receive all the care that you need in order to keep moving throughout your day. Whether it’s arthritis pain or mobility problems, physical therapists will be there to help.