What Are The Benefits Of Physical Therapy?

A physical therapist working with an elderly patient.

Physical therapy is a rehabilitative therapy focusing on gross motor skills, strength, and balance. People may need physical therapy for a disability or to recover from an illness or injury. Physical therapy is often a crucial part of post-traumatic injury care for elderly persons and may also be part of a short-term rehabilitation program. Let’s explore what physical therapy is, how it works, the benefits of physical therapy, and how to support senior loved ones undergoing physical therapy.

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What Is Physical Therapy For Seniors, And How Does It Work?

Senior physical therapy helps seniors retain the strength and stability needed to stay active. Physical therapists develop individual treatment plans tailored to each person’s needs and goals. They use stretches and exercises to help seniors retain their muscle mass and conditioning, which helps to reduce their chances of falling.

Physical therapists assess their patients and identify any areas of concern. They customize a treatment plan, including exercises to restore functions or prevent physical deterioration. Physical therapists and their assistants teach patients to perform appropriate stretches and exercises, monitor their progress, and adjust their goals and treatment plans as needed.

Physical therapists and their assistants also teach patients how to use walkers or other assistive devices to aid their mobility.

Why Is Physical Therapy Important For Seniors?

Physical therapy provides seniors with the following benefits:

Improved mobility
Greater independence
Prevents falls and injuries
Assists with recovery from illness or surgery
Improves quality of life

Physical Therapy Improves Mobility And Independence In Seniors

Physical therapy focuses on muscle mass and conditioning to ensure seniors have the strength to move safely. Since building or retaining muscle mass helps to improve balance, it prevents falls.

Seniors with good balance and strength can move without assistance or fear of injury.

Physical Therapy Helps To Prevent Falls And Injuries In The Elderly

Seniors who undergo physical therapy are less likely to fall. Since falls affect millions of seniors each year and are the leading cause of death from unintentional injuries for seniors, physical therapy plays a crucial role in preventing injuries and death.

Physical Therapy Enhances Recovery From Surgery Or Illness

Physical therapy promotes physical activity, which increases blood flow. Increased blood flow promotes healing. Engaging in physical therapy after surgery or illness can prevent scar tissue from forming, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation, which can discourage seniors from being active because it causes pain when moving.

Physical Therapy Improves Overall Quality Of Life

Seniors afraid of falling may be reluctant to engage in some activities, which could interfere with their quality of life and ability to socialize. Being able to engage in preferred activities and socialize independently can help seniors avoid social isolation and depression.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Physical Therapy In A Nursing Home Setting?

Older adults may need to move into a nursing home because they require help with personal care or because they’re recovering from an illness or injury. Those who undergo physical therapy in a nursing home discover how it helps their physical and mental health.

Physical therapy in senior care is important because it helps prevent decline. The physical therapist will determine how to retain each individual’s muscle mass and conditioning and use exercises to help them.

Over time, those pursuing illness or injury recovery through physical therapy in nursing homes may regain strength, balance, and confidence.

These individuals can enjoy greater independence or prevent further deterioration that would increase their dependence on caregivers and assistive devices. Seeing progress from physical therapy can help seniors boost their self-esteem because they’re meeting goals and improving their health.

What Types Of Physical Therapy Services Are Commonly Offered In Nursing Homes?

Physical therapists in elderly care facilities provide expert physical therapy services. Those in short-term rehabilitation, post-hospital care, post-traumatic care, or skilled nursing facilities may engage in a physical therapy program designed to promote their recovery from illness or injury.

Skilled nursing home residents may also receive geriatric physical therapy, which helps seniors retain the muscle mass and conditioning needed to move safely. If they’ve experienced muscle loss and loss of conditioning, their program may be customized to help them regain muscle mass and conditioning.

Residents may also receive training to use wheelchairs, walkers, or canes to assist with mobility.

Are Physical Therapy Programs Personalized For Each Resident’s Needs?

Physical therapists customize their treatment plans for each person, ensuring every resident receives the therapy that will best help them maintain their mobility and prevent injury.

How Often Should Seniors Participate In Physical Therapy Sessions?

Since physical therapy plans are tailored to each individual’s needs, there’s no one treatment schedule that’s suitable for all seniors. Those recovering from surgery or an injury may need multiple sessions per week when they begin therapy, while those receiving therapy to prevent muscle loss may only need one session a week. It’s crucial that each person discusses their needs with their physical therapist and follows their advice.

How Can Family Members Support Seniors Undergoing Physical Therapy?

Family members can support their loved ones undergoing physical therapy by learning how to perform the stretches and exercises their loved one’s physical therapist prescribed and doing the stretches and exercises with their loved one. Family members can also support their loved ones by providing moral support, recognizing progress, and rewarding their loved one’s efforts.

Monument Health Group: Providing Expert Physical Therapy For Seniors

Residents at Utah’s best skilled nursing facilities can receive expert physical therapy customized to their individual needs. At Monument Health Group, we employ occupational, physical, and speech therapists, ensuring our residents receive expert rehabilitative care without leaving the comfort of our skilled nursing facility. This ensures residents receive their therapy without the need to travel for medical appointments.

Contact Monument Health Group to learn about our rehabilitative services