Seniors are often more prone to a variety of different age-related physical challenges than younger people are. Physical therapy is an effective solution to help them to recover, build strength, and regain mobility.
There are some extremely common issues that physical therapists work with seniors to manage in order to improve their quality of life and overall well-being.
Back Pain
Back pain is a prevalent issue for aging adults. It’s typically related to arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or muscle weakness. Some seniors may experience discomfort occasionally, while others experience massive pain that affects their daily activities.
Physical therapy can help to reduce pain, improve posture and flexibility, and strengthen core muscles. Stretching and flexibility exercises reduce tension and prevent stiffness while strengthening exercises help the muscles support the spine better.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis, and it causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in just about any joint in the body. Physical therapy can’t cure arthritis, but it can help patients to manage their symptoms and improve joint function.
The focus is usually on range of motion and strengthening exercises. Stronger muscles around the joint help to support the joint and reduce pain, while improving mobility helps with flexibility and reduces pain.
Stroke Recovery
Recovering from a stroke is often a long and complicated process, depending on where in the brain the patient had the stroke. Many patients need help with regaining strength, mobility, and coordination. Seniors may experience weakness on one side of their bodies, trouble walking, and difficulty with daily tasks.
Physical therapists work with patients on mobility training and relearning to do some activities that used to be a part of daily life.
Exercise Injuries
Most seniors probably are not out engaging in contact sports or Olympic-level activities, but that doesn’t mean they don’t sometimes experience injuries from exercise. Recovering well from exercise-induced injuries means seniors experience less pain and can help prevent future problems.
Physical therapy helps to restore strength and flexibility while rehabilitating the injured area. Therapists can also help seniors learn proper body mechanics so they can reduce the risk of future injuries.
Fall Prevention and Recovery
Fall risk increases as seniors age, and issues like muscle weakness, reduced flexibility, and poor balance and coordination make the situation worse. Physical therapy can help seniors to improve both balance and strength, which can help to prevent falls and increase mobility.
If seniors have experienced a fall already, therapists can help them recover and develop better proprioception or awareness of body position and movement.
Physical therapy can help people of all ages with a variety of issues. This is an especially helpful resource for seniors, however, so that they can avoid injuries more easily and recover from situations that might reduce their mobility.
Physical therapists can recommend a huge range of treatments, exercises, and routines that help seniors stay independent and get or remain as active as they can in the future.
If you or someone you know needs Physical Therapy in Blaine, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 525-7742 for more information.