The goal of physical therapy is to regain and restore mobility. Physical therapy can also reduce pain, improve balance, and improve strength as well. The reduction of endurance, balance issues, and muscle weakness is a natural process while aging and can be maintained with physical therapy. The benefits of physical therapy for seniors are numerous and our team at Desert Edge outlines them here.

To learn more or schedule your consultation, feel free to contact the friendly team at Desert Edge Physical Therapy. Our trained therapists work with each individual patient to create a treatment plan that takes into consideration each person’s unique needs, current mobility, and wellness goals. 

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

As we age, our bodies can start to show the wear and tear of the years. For seniors, physical therapy is a great way to keep active, reduce pain, and maintain their independence. Let’s take a look at why physical therapy is so important for seniors and some of the benefits it provides. 

While many people align pain and stiffness with the aging process, it’s actually due to the shortage of activity. There are various benefits of physical therapy for seniors, including…

• Recovering from injury
• Reduce the risk of falls or injury
• Treatment of pain without surgery or drugs
• Improvement of balance
• Prevention of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure
• Stroke patients
• Incontinence

Related Topic: How To Treat Arthritis With Physical Therapy

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a personal, entirely individualized care plan to move better and live better. It benefits people of all ages and can treat a variety of health problems. It includes both hands-on care, open communication, and teachings of special exercises you can carry with you long after meeting with your physical therapist.

Your trusted physical therapist won’t take the place of your doctor but will work with your healthcare provider.

What does a Physical Therapist do?

Your first appointment with a physical therapist will consist of a consultation. Here, he or she will comprehensively examine your needs, challenges, and goals. He or she will also test to measure

• Heartrate both while active and resting
• Posture and balance
• How well you walk and climb steps
• How well you can move around overall
• Reach, bend, and grasp

After your physical therapist has a well-rounded understanding of your body and your concerns, you both will develop a personalized care plan. It will include personal goals, exercises, and other methods of treatment depending on your condition.

It’s important to note that everyone is different – and that’s what physical therapy is all about. Your treatment is entirely yours and the length of your treatment is based on your condition and your body.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

The most common reason for seniors to attend physical therapy is falling. Whether it be a recent illness or injury, a chronic condition or recent surgery, it can be challenging for senior citizens to continue living an independent lifestyle. Physical Therapists specialize in developing personalized treatment plans to ensure patients get back to living life actively.

Some benefits of physical therapy for seniors include

• Reducing pain and improving mobility. Physical therapy helps seniors reduce pain in muscles and joints that can be caused by age-related conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Physical therapists help patients understand how to move without placing unnecessary strain on certain areas of their body. This makes everyday activities like going upstairs or getting out of bed much easier. Physical therapists also provide individualized exercise plans that target specific areas of discomfort. These exercises help improve mobility and reduce pain in those areas over time. 
• Preventing injury. Injuries are common among elderly individuals who are not as agile as they used to be, or who may have difficulty balancing due to medical conditions such as vertigo or Parkinson’s disease. Through physical therapy, seniors can learn techniques that help them move safely while avoiding falls or other injuries. Physical therapists also design customized workout plans that will help strengthen their core muscles and improve balance, which can help reduce the risk of injury even further.  
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Staying active is the key to a healthy lifestyle, as it reduces the risk of obesity, pain, and stiffness, and reduces the risk of disease. Moving your body on a regular basis, even through simple exercises, is a great way to maintain your health and well-being. Many patients feel improvements in their mobility and feel considerably less pain than when they first started treatment. The key is to keep your body moving regularly!
• Reducing the risk of falls. Falls are the leading cause of seniors attending physical therapy. Falling can lead to life-threatening injuries and can be prevented with the regular use of physical therapy techniques. With the use of various easy, at-home exercises, you have the ability to emphasize flexibility, strength and proper gait to reduce the risk of future falls.
• Treating pain without surgery or drugs. Avoid the use of prescription drugs with the holistic methods of physical therapy. In addition, physical therapy has proven to be a cost-effective way to manage pain in the long run. 
• Reducing the risk of infection. People who are not active for a prolonged period of time, especially seniors, become prone to developing skin conditions such as ulcers. In addition, seniors who are not active have a higher risk of developing pneumonia, a direct result of lack of movement.
• Maintaining independence. Physical therapy can also help seniors maintain their independence by providing them with the strength they need to do everyday activities such as getting dressed or walking up stairs without assistance. They can also learn how to use assistive devices like walkers and crutches if necessary, which will allow them to remain independent despite any mobility issues they may have due to age or illness. Additionally, physical therapy can provide psychological benefits such as improved self-confidence, which can be beneficial for seniors who might otherwise feel isolated due to limited mobility or health issues.   

Related Topic: How To Treat Arthritis With Physical Therapy

Stay Strong, Proactive, and Independent with Physical Therapy

Physical therapy has many advantages for senior citizens including reducing pain, improving mobility, preventing injury, and maintaining independence. It is important for seniors to talk with their doctor about any physical limitations they may have so they can find a physical therapist who specializes in helping elderly individuals stay healthy and active well into old age! With proper care from a qualified physical therapist, elderly individuals can enjoy an improved quality of life while still feeling independent and strong enough to do the things they love most!

Physical therapists are directly involved with the senior community. Often times you don’t need to be referred by a medical professional to attend physical therapy. If you have questions about how to start your own physical therapy journey, call our team of experts at Desert Edge Physical Therapy. We can offer you a free discovery session in order to find out if our individualized methods work for you.

Be sure to check out our easy at-home videos created by Mike King, PT, DPT, OCS. Click here to check them out!