Aging comes with multiple changes, and most older persons become less active with age. However, various techniques aid seniors in living a more active lifestyle, and physical therapy is worth mentioning. It helps the elderly to deal with common aging issues such as pain and improves muscle strength and balance.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors:
- Speeding up recovery
The possibility of injuries or illness increases with age. Fortunately, seniors can ease discomfort and promote recovery through physical therapy. The sessions expedite recovery and help reduce inflammation and swelling.
Physical therapy Boise also helps improve mobility and strengthen muscles through exercise routines. The sessions incorporate various exercises that help an elderly person stay healthier.
- Promotes independence
Most older people require help to perform their day-to-day tasks. They rely on loved ones for chores like cooking, washing, and gardening. However, physical therapy can help elderly persons move around with ease and become more independent.
Older people suffering from pain associated with arthritis, nerve pain, or chronic headaches can find relief through the therapy. Physical therapy eliminates trigger points or knots within muscle tissue that cause aches, enhancing relaxation.
- Prevent falls and injury
Slips and falls are common among seniors. They usually result from instability and can cause broken bones and other health complications.
One of the significant benefits of physical therapy is preventing injuries and falls. A perfect strategy is regular multicomponent exercise, which combines balance and strength training.
Other methods include;
- Home-hazard assessment, which identifies safety hazards that can lead to falls and injuries
- Use of assistive devices such as canes
The therapy teaches seniors to stay active without putting themselves at risk of injuries and to rehabilitate their bodies after injuries.
- Minimizing dependence on drug prescriptions
Long-term use of drugs can lead to drug tolerance and, thus, overdosage. Again. Growing older affects the body’s ability to absorb or filter drugs. Older persons are highly likely to become addicted to prescription drugs commonly used to treat pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Physical therapy can help alleviate pain and inflammation without relying on drug prescriptions.
- Symptom control
Elderly persons are more susceptible to diseases and illnesses, and scientists keep researching the benefits of physical therapy for seniors suffering from these ailments. These include;
- Arthritis: Arthritis is a common illness among older people, and the symptoms might not appear immediately. Physical therapy employs different techniques to alleviate the discomfort. It is a perfect preventive measure for curbing future pain caused by arthritis.
- Stroke: Stroke causes loss of muscle strength on one side of the body. The physical therapist utilizes various methods, such as constraint-inducing, to restrain the healthy limb. That allows the patient to focus on strength training for the weaker limb. Also, physical therapy can stimulate parts of the brain that control movement to restore the proper functioning of the affected limb.
- Alzheimer’s disease: Physical therapy helps curb Alzheimer’s and other dementias. It focuses on exercises such as swimming, gardening, walking, tai chi, and handling weights. It also aims to improve memory function through regular physical pursuits that enhance blood flow to the brain.
Physical therapy is quite beneficial for seniors. Working with a professional physical therapist can help improve mobility, ease joint pain, and treat injuries.