Back pain is an extremely common complaint for aging adults, especially if they’ve sustained back injuries in the past. Poor posture, muscle strain, chronic conditions, and old injuries all contribute to back pain and significantly affect the quality of life for seniors. In-home physical therapy is one solution that can help seniors alleviate some of their discomfort and get back to activities they enjoy.
Causes of Back Pain in Seniors
Muscle strain from overuse, improper lifting, or sudden movements can be something seniors encounter. If they’ve recently fallen or almost fallen, they might sprain something in their back or strain other areas that cause back muscles to compensate.
Conditions like herniated discs can also cause back pain. Seniors might also be dealing with arthritis, osteoporosis, or degenerative disc disease. Many of these conditions can’t be cured, but seniors can learn exercises and techniques that help them to feel better and have a fuller life.
Core Strengthening
A strong core supports the spine and helps seniors experience less strain in their back muscles. Abdominal strengthening exercises, like planks or bridges, can help build muscles in the core area.
Physical therapists assess seniors’ needs as well as their current core strength and put together plans to help them build strength in their core.
Posture Correction
Proper body mechanics help to relieve a lot of pain, especially in the back. Seniors may be shocked to realize that they’re stooped over when they think they’re standing straight.
Physical therapy helps to spot those potential issues and helps seniors move their bodies in ways that support correct posture and body mechanics.
Stretching and Flexibility Training
Another big area for senior back health is stretching and flexibility. Gentle stretches can help to increase mobility and ease stiffness in tight muscles and ligaments.
Seniors may have issues with their hip flexors and hamstrings that exacerbate pain in their backs. Loosening up these muscles helps to relax the back as well. And stretches that focus on the lower back can help to reduce pain as well.
All of this can be a huge help for seniors who are concerned about falling.
Maintaining a Healthy Back
As seniors recover, physical therapists can also help them develop strategies and habits to maintain a healthier back. Developing routines for moving around and stretching in between rounds of sitting is a great habit to adopt, for instance.
And sticking with a low-impact exercise routine like walking or yoga can help seniors to get even stronger and support their back muscles long after they’ve healed.
Preventing Future Pain
Physical therapy doesn’t just address what is happening now. Physical therapists work with their patients to teach them how to prevent future pain, too.
Offering them individualized exercise plans that they can continue well into the future can help seniors maintain the strength they gain through physical therapy. Continuing to stay as active as possible can do a lot to keep back pain in check.
Physical therapy providers can offer seniors other tools to alleviate back pain as well. Once physical therapists understand the underlying causes, they can put together a plan that will work for each senior’s needs.
If you or someone you know needs Physical Therapy in Granite Falls, 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.