As a senior, you find that the older you get, the harder it is to perform certain tasks. What was simple for you to do 10 years ago, might not be as easy at the age of 65. This, however, shouldn’t limit you in moving. You should want to remain active and live an active, healthy life. This is just one of the many benefits that physical therapy for seniors can provide you with. It can help with flexibility, increase your range of motion, and help improve joint mobility. But, physical therapy is also beneficial after an injury, accident, or a surgical procedure as well.
Here we’ll highlight some of the primary benefits of physical therapy for seniors:
Help Restore Mobility
If you notice it has been a little tougher to bend down and tie your shoes in the morning, you’re not alone. And, it’s not just basic tasks like this one that seniors have a hard time doing. The older you get, the less lubrication there is between your joints. Your bones aren’t as strong. And, your body will ache a little easier with muscle discomfort than it did when you were younger. Don’t fret.
Not only can physical therapy help restore mobility it can also help improve flexibility. You will find that it improves functionality and your ability to perform everyday tasks easily. Physical therapy can also help you improve your balance. As you get older, you have a harder time balancing your body weight, it’s common. Especially if you’ve suffered from injuries or haven’t been extremely active throughout life. Physical therapy can help improve mobility, flexibility, and help you regain loss of balance.
Help Reduce Pain
Those aches and pains you wake up with in the morning can be minimized with physical therapy. Moreover, physical therapy is going to make it a little easier for you to get out of bed in the morning. By moving and flexing your bones and joints, you help restore balance in your body. If you remain stagnant, your muscles, bones, and joints, are naturally going to start to feel pain. Physical therapy is a great way to ensure you remain active. It keeps you physical and allows you to stretch those bones and joints.
Strengthen Bones and Joints
Your bones and joints naturally weaken as you age. Physical therapy can incorporate strength training routines to help you regain lost levels of strength or build muscle. It can also help you maintain a desired level of fitness you otherwise couldn’t if you were inactive. Osteoporosis is a common condition as you get older. It can cause your bones to weaken, and can lead to more falls as you get older. Physical therapy can counter the effects of osteoporosis and other conditions. Although you aren’t rebuilding your bones, you are increasing strength. You’re lubricating your joints. These things will instantly make it easier for you to move freely and increase levels of strength.
Assist Those Coming Back from Surgery or Injuries
After a major injury or surgery, many seniors undergo physical therapy treatments. It helps them learn how to use their muscles after they’ve been stagnant for so long. It also helps in building strength and energy. There are several problems which can occur if you skip physical therapy after surgery. For example, you’re more prone to fall or injure yourself because you don’t have the strength necessary to stabilize yourself. Infection can also occur. Ulcers, a cold, or even skin conditions might ensue if you aren’t active after surgery. You’ll also experience increased levels of pain. Furthermore, you’ll find it tougher to move once you do want to start mobilizing your body once again.
Physical therapy can help prevent all of these problems from resulting. It can help you increase your range of mobility, motion, and help naturally increase levels of strength. Additionally, physical therapy is beneficial for overall health. The older you get, the more you tend to slow down and stop moving. By engaging in physical therapy, you can keep moving and maintain an active lifecycle. No matter what you’re recovering from, or why you choose to engage in physical therapy, you can see how beneficial it can be for you as you get older.