Physical Therapy for Enhancing Independence in Older Adults
Physical therapy isn’t just for athletes or those recovering from injuries.
Aging means our bodies don’t always move as they did before. It’s frustrating, but there’s good news: physical therapy (PT) can be extremely helpful for older adults to maintain or regain their independence.
Here is how PT can keep anyone moving through the golden years.
Stay on your feet
Fall prevention is one of physical therapy’s top perks. Falls are a more serious worry as we age—they can cause serious injuries and sometimes occur during simple tasks such as rising from a chair. Physical therapists can come up with exercises that improve balance and strength, making falls less likely.
Reduce pain
Chronic pain isn’t a mandatory part of aging, despite what many people might think. PT can work wonders in reducing pain. Targeted exercises, manual therapy, and sometimes fun gadgets can ease the aches and pains that slow an older adult down. Therapists use all these techniques to help people go back to doing what they enjoy without the pain that usually gets in the way.
Stay strong and limber
Physical therapy returns some flexibility needed to tie shoes or stretch to reach the top shelf. The therapist may focus on muscle groups and create a routine that’s perfectly fit for this flexibility. PT keeps muscles strong and joints healthy and flexible.
Breathe easier
Some older adults may also struggle with respiratory issues, and physical therapy can include breathing exercises to help improve deep breaths. The techniques improve lung function and make it easier to breathe and get more oxygen flowing through the body.
Custom care
The best part of physical therapy is that no two plans are the same. Therapists adjust everything to fit the patient’s condition and health profile and yield the most benefits for each situation. The plan will differ, whether it’s for surgery recovery, dealing with arthritis, improving mobility, or staying as active as possible.
How to get started
Start by talking to a healthcare practitioner, perhaps a family doctor. They can be redirected to a reputable physical therapist who works with older adults and has specialized knowledge of such treatments.
Then, set smart goals. Think about what physical therapy should accomplish: mobility, less pain, or anything else. Share these goals with the doctor and the therapist to get the most out of the session.
Physical therapy is, essentially, exercise. Like any exercise, it needs consistency. Stick with it and power through to see the best results.
Move easily with physical therapy
Physical therapy isn’t just for athletes or those recovering from injuries. It’s fantastic for older adults who want to live their best life, pain-free and with as much independence as possible. So, if you want to keep doing the things you love and perhaps become even more mobile, PT might be the ticket.
Liberated Rehabilitation is a mobile physical therapy service in the Phoenix metro area specializing in fully personalized in-home physical therapy. We provide tailored physical therapy in the home or work setting for faster, better recovery. Call (602)755-2276 to schedule an appointment.
