Why Physical Therapy Matters as We Age
As people age, some experience more pain and are more prone to injury due to muscle loss and bone brittleness. Aging tends to bring a loss of flexibility, strength, and balance, making it increasingly challenging to maintain a desired level of fitness, and losing these functions can lead to a fall that causes serious injury. Physical therapy helps improve these functions.
Balance exercises for seniors are an essential part of an osteoporosis exercise program and should include fall prevention exercises that reduce risk. Even before your loved one reaches senior status, balance exercises will keep them active, mobile, and more confident as they age.
Strength training and exercise provided in physical therapy can also help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, providing exercises that help preserve the strength and use of the joints, along with therapeutic methods to relieve discomfort through both physical technique and activity modifications. As the aging process continues, the risk of certain diseases and illnesses increases, and physical therapy is increasingly used to help seniors manage chronic illnesses including arthritis, stroke, incontinence, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
Main Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors
Reducing risk of falls: falls are the leading cause of injury in seniors and can result in skin tears, fractures, or other life-threatening injuries. Physical therapists use extension exercises that emphasize flexibility, strength, and proper gait to reduce the risk of future falls.
Treating pain without surgery or drugs: physical therapy has proven to be a cost-effective way to treat chronic pain without turning to elective surgery or prescribed medication.
Reducing risk of infection: seniors who are less active run a higher risk of pneumonia or developing skin problems, such as ulcers, that come about because of a lack of movement.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: exercise is a key element of good health at any age, but it becomes essential to day-to-day living as we age. Seniors using physical therapy as exercise are more active, reducing the risk of problems related to obesity, which accounts for 18% of adult deaths in the U.S.
Exercises You Might Encounter
A physical therapy program for seniors may include abdominal contractions to increase strength in the abdominal muscles; wall pushups to increase strength in the chest and shoulders; pelvic tilts to strengthen and stretch muscles in the lower back; shoulder blade squeezes to strengthen postural muscles and stretch the chest; toe taps to strengthen the lower legs; heel raises to strengthen the upper calves; knee lifts to strengthen the thighs; shoulder and upper back stretches to loosen the shoulders and back; ankle rotations to strengthen the calves; and neck and upper back stretches to relieve tension.
These exercises can be done at home without going out, but proper assessment and evaluation by your physician and physical therapist is still needed to prevent future injuries.
Regaining Independence
Physical therapy for seniors offers a variety of benefits, including gaining strength and balance as well as a renewed sense of confidence. Physical therapy with the elderly can give seniors back their independence and make daily tasks easier.