How Physical Therapy Helps Seniors

Many seniors think they only need physical therapy after a fall, injury, or serious illness that weakened them. But they don’t realize that physical therapy can actually help prevent those very same injuries from happening in the first place! Most insurance companies cover physical therapy, so there would be minimal or no out-of-pocket costs for most individuals.

Physical therapy not only helps individuals recover from an injury or accident, but it can also help control pain associated with many age-related problems. Physical therapy is particularly important for adults ages 65 and older as muscles and joints tend to lose strength and stability over time. This change can negatively impact older adults’ independence in performing daily tasks and movements, like changing positions, standing, walking, and going up and down stairs.

Maintaining our desired level of activity becomes much more difficult as we age because it is part of the natural aging process. We experience less flexibility, strength and balance. Staying active and exercising is key to aging healthily, preventing deconditioning, and managing chronic conditions that worsen with inactivity.

The possibility of losing independence, feeling pain when performing everyday tasks, and losing function of limbs and muscles are all motivators for consulting a physical therapist. Physical therapists know how the body works and how to get it moving again. Physical therapy will focus on four key areas: stretches, endurance, strengthening, and balance. If equipment is used, only light weights or bands are usually needed to supply increased resistance without overloading joints.

What are you waiting for? Stop by the Wellness Center and see Julie Petelle, Wellness Coordinator, to learn more and next steps. Office hours are Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 to noon. You can also call Julie at 312-513-4919.