When seniors are recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery, participating in a senior rehabilitation program is vital to restoring functionality, reducing pain, and improving quality of life. Rehabilitation for seniors often includes a mix of physical, occupational, and speech therapies designed with the individual’s specific needs and abilities in mind.
“The goal of therapy is to alleviate pain and return to mobility,” says Jean Brooks, Senior Vice President of Rehabilitation American Senior Communities. ‘What seniors may not realize is that therapists know how to work with older adults so that exercise can be done safely and effectively. Research has shown that seniors can increase strength well into their 90s!”
Why is physical therapy important for seniors for a successful recovery?
Physical therapy is essential for successful recovery because it improves an individual’s strength, flexibility, and mobility. Physical therapy for seniors is beneficial for a variety of reasons, including:
- Reducing the risk of falling – One of the most common reasons a senior needs physical therapy is to recover from a fall. Falls are the leading cause of accidents among seniors and often result in bone fractures and other injuries. A physical therapist can teach seniors techniques to prevent a fall.
- Lowering the risk of injury – Physical therapy helps seniors learn how to maintain their stability as it relates to gravity when they’re mobile. This awareness helps reduce the risk of injuries and re-injury.
- Reducing pain from chronic conditions – Physical therapy can help alleviate discomfort from conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis and offset any future symptoms.
- Lessening the need for prescribed medications – Seniors are often on a wide variety of prescription drugs to help manage their chronic pain. However, a physical therapy regimen could help reduce the need for medications and be a more cost-effective treatment.
- Maintaining an independent lifestyle – The quicker seniors can recover from an illness or injury and manage their pain allows them to lead an active, independent lifestyle for longer.
Common Types Of Physical Therapy For Seniors
Physical therapists are trained in various types of therapy that help people return to their normal lifestyles as quickly as possible. The main types of physical therapy for seniors include:
- Geriatric physical therapy – Geriatric physical therapy places a special emphasis on the needs of aging adults. It helps treat conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, joint replacement, and balance disorders. Specialized programs are designed to help restore mobility, increase fitness levels and reduce overall pain.
- Orthopedic Physical Therapy – An orthopedic physical therapist helps treat injuries of the musculoskeletal system, as well as help individuals recover from orthopedic surgeries. The goal is to restore function to the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments.
- Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy – When individuals have had a heart attack or have other cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis, cardiopulmonary physical therapy can help increase endurance and functional independence.
- Neurological Physical Therapy – Neurological physical therapy focuses on the brain and the body, making it slightly different from other types of physical therapy. When individuals have neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, or Parkinson’s disease or have suffered a brain injury, a neurological physical therapist focuses on teaching them to adapt to visual, mobility, balance, and muscle loss impairments to more easily complete activities of daily living.
“Physical therapists work on the mind-body relationship, helping folks to adapt to impairments so they can move better in their environment,” Brooks says. “These techniques have shown great strides in working with MS and brain injuries, including strokes and other neurological conditions.”
What is to be expected?
Whether your senior loved one resides in Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite Care, or Assisted Living, their community should coordinate with the necessary health professionals to provide onsite services. The specific services will depend on your loved one’s condition but can include walking, massage, stretching, strength training, or hydrotherapy. Physical Therapists (PTs) are certified and licensed to carry out these treatment plans. Ensure you enlist a reputable PT from your primary care physician or another trusted source. Be prepared for an initial evaluation that will test a range of motion, strength, and mobility. Most sessions will require free movements, so make sure your senior loved one has dressed accordingly in comfortable, athletic clothing.
Conclusion
The goal of physical therapy for seniors living in Assisted Living is to restore some level of independence through full recovery or ongoing management. Whether temporary or ongoing, these sessions are designed to strengthen an individual’s overall health. If your senior loved one requires physical therapy treatment, ensure their community can accommodate these services and that the appropriate caregivers are involved in their progress.Book an appointment with sobe innovative rehab for more information.