A Touch of Care

DID YOU KNOW 1 out of 3 adults over the age of 65 fall each and every year? These falls are the most common cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries, such as head trauma, lacerations and hip fractures. Over 95% of hip fractures are due to falls. So, what can we do to help our senior population?

 

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

• Improves arthritis symptoms: Physical therapy can assist in offsetting any symptoms that may occur in the future while using various rehabilitation exercises to maintain usage of joints. A physical therapy program can also improve arthritis pain with specific exercises.
• Reduces the risk of falling in the future: A physical therapy program has the ability to coach seniors and provide techniques in order to avoid future falls.
• Maintains an active lifestyle: Even with low-demanding exercises, it allows the body to remain active and moving. Staying active also prevents weight gain.
• Avoids prescription medication and surgery: Physical therapy has been proven to be a very cost-effect alternative to prescription medication and surgery. Physical therapy programs are catered to each individual to rehabilitate various parts of the body.

Recovery After a Hip Replacement

Following a hip replacement surgery, initial discomfort during exercise or walking is common. Although, this pain will not last long if physical therapy is maintained. This therapy assists in increasing the range of motion in the hip, and also includes balance exercises to decrease the possibility of falling. These balance exercises are very important, but so is safeguarding the home to avoid future falls. Items such as throw rugs and floor clutter should be removed to prevent tripping. Using an aid for mobility until stability is sufficient is also a wonderful prevention of falling.

Physical Therapy Can Also Be Beneficial for:

• Vertigo
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Pain in any part of the body
• Diabetes
• Alzheimer’s
• Parkinson’s
• Cerebral Palsy
• And many, many others!

Physical therapy can assist seniors in all areas of health. There is no better way to improve a loved one’s independence, increase mobility and allow daily tasks to become easier.

 

 

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