Physical Therapy for Seniors 101

Physical therapy can be extremely beneficial for seniors, especially when they deal with reduced mobility and pain. Whether they are recovering from an illness, injury or surgery, specialized senior rehabilitation program can help restore functionality, reduce pain and improve quality of life safely and effectively. 

Combining physical therapy with home care in Sherman Oaks, The Valley and other parts of LA could be the optimal solution for senior and elderly clients recovering from surgery, dealing with a recent injury or undergoing treatment for a chronic condition. 

So how exactly can seniors and the elderly benefit from physical therapy? Read on to find out more!

What is geriatric physical therapy?

Geriatric physical therapy is the most common form of physical therapy for seniors. It consists of specialized programs which address the specific needs of the aging population and which are optimized for the needs of individuals struggling with certain conditions or disorders. 

Whether it’s recovery from a joint replacement procedure, dealing with a balance disorder or managing arthritis, geriatric physical therapy can help alleviate pain, increase fitness levels and restore or improve mobility.

Other common forms of physical therapy for seniors include orthopedic physical therapy, cardiopulmonary physical therapy and neurological physical therapy. 

How does physical therapy help the elderly?

Rehabilitation for seniors combines physical therapy with occupational and speech therapies, depending on the person’s needs. Physical therapy in particular helps individuals regain mobility, restore flexibility and improve strength. 

Physical therapy serves a similar purpose as exercising and having a workout regimen: promoting balance, endurance, flexibility, and strength.

Benefits include:

• Lowering the risks and complications from falls. Physical therapy can facilitate recovery from falls, which are the notorious number one reason for accidents resulting in fractures among the senior population. Physical therapists can also teach seniors master techniques to prevent a fall.
• Reducing the risk of injuries and repeat injuries. Physical therapists can help seniors maintain stability which reduces the risk of injuries and repeat injuries.
• Alleviating pain from chronic conditions. Instead of just masking the pain temporarily, physical therapy can alleviate pain and discomfort from chronic conditions, as well as offset future symptoms and prevent them from worsening. 
• Decreasing the need for prescription pain management drugs. A carefully adjusted physical therapy regimen could reduce the need for medications.
• Returning to and maintaining an independent lifestyle. Physical therapy can help restore your elderly loved one’s physical wellbeing, which, in turn, helps them return to an active, independent lifestyle.

Is it ever too late for physical therapy?

For optimal results, it is important to seek physical therapy as soon as possible and be diligent about it. This gives you the best chance to fully restore your physical abilities temporarily lost to injury or disease. However, even for old injuries which were left untreated and unaddressed in a timely manner, it is never too late to seek physical therapy, especially when pain management is concerned.

What is the role of physical therapy in home care?

Imagine 72-year-old Louise who has recently suffered a stroke. Even with the help of a professional caregiver or family member, recovery from a stroke can be extremely challenging.

However, a physical therapist can deliver therapy in Louse’s own home, in a manner that is tailored to her needs and to her home environment. Introducing physical activity into a person’s daily routine and assisting them with exercises is one of the key benefits of physical therapy, but other benefits include knowledge about using supportive accessories and mobility tools. 

In the meantime, Louise’ caregiver can take her to her regular doctor’s appointments and assist her with any other daily task.

Bringing continual improvement to home care in Sherman Oaks and the area

Ongoing assistance and support from a physical therapist combined with healthy meal planning and other services of a professional caregiver could improve a person’s quality of life considerably, even if they are struggling with a chronic condition or recovering from a difficult injury or surgical procedure. 

Here at A Better Way in Home Care, we take every care when setting up your senior or elderly loved one’s personalized homecare routine in order to enable them to age comfortably in their own home. Contact us for more details on home care today.