As we age, it’s not uncommon to experience more aches and pains. We may find it harder to get up from a chair or walk around the block. These are all natural side effects of aging. However, just because they’re common doesn’t mean we have to resign to living with them. Physical therapy can help seniors maintain their quality of life by keeping them mobile and pain-free.
There are many different types of physical therapy exercises that can be tailored to each individual’s needs. A physical therapist will work with you to design a plan that meets your unique needs and helps you achieve your goals.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors
Here are the top five benefits physical therapy services can provide seniors:
Increased Strength and Endurance
As people age, they often lose muscle mass and bone density. This can lead to reduced strength and endurance, making it difficult to perform daily tasks. Physical therapy can help seniors build muscle strength and improve their endurance so they don’t have to worry about becoming overly fatigued during activities like walking or shopping.
In addition, physical therapy can also help seniors improve their cardiovascular health. This is important because cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among adults over the age of 65. By improving their cardiovascular health, seniors can reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health conditions.
Improved Balance and Coordination
Reduced muscle mass and bone density can also lead to reduced balance and coordination. This can make it difficult for seniors to stay steady on their feet and maintain their balance when walking or standing. Physical therapy can help improve balance and coordination by strengthening the muscles that support the joints and helping patients practice tasks requiring coordination.
Increased Flexibility
Improved balance and coordination can also lead to increased flexibility. This is important because it can help seniors reduce their risk of falling. Physical therapy can help increase strength and flexibility by stretching the muscles and joints. In addition, physical therapy can also help improve range of motion, which is important for maintaining independence long term as people age.
Decreased Pain
Physical therapy also helps seniors manage pain. Seniors may experience pain due to conditions like arthritis, which is caused by the deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the joints. Physical therapy can help decrease pain by using techniques like heat, cold, massage, and electrical stimulation. In addition, physical therapy can also help improve joint function, which can reduce pain in affected areas.
Improved Mobility
Finally, physical therapy can also help improve mobility. This is important because it allows seniors to remain independent as they age. Physical therapy does this by strengthening the muscles that support the joints and helping patients practice moving differently. In addition, physical therapy can also help reduce stiffness in the joints, which makes it easier to move around.
If you’re looking for ways to stay physically fit, healthy and independent as you age, look no further than physical therapy. Physical Therapy will help you improve your strength and balance, and regain your mobility.
At Nye Health Services, our outpatient therapy program is a top choice among patients throughout Nebraska and surrounding areas that want to maintain independence and recover from a mild to moderate injury.
Nye Health Services | Independent & Assisted Living Communities
Nye Health Services is passionate about providing older adults with a wide range of wellness and health services that maximize health and well-being. If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our five locations in eastern Nebraska. Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments and/or suites, and numerous amenities to help you live 2022 to the fullest!
Contact Nye Health Services to learn more about our outpatient therapy services or schedule a tour at any of our senior living communities in Fremont (Nye Legacy, Nye Square, & Nye Pointe), Norfolk (The Meadows), and Lincoln, Nebraska (Gateway Vista)!