When seniors are recovering from an illness, injury or surgery, taking part in a senior rehabilitation program is vital to restoring functionality, reducing pain and improving quality of life. Rehabilitation for seniors often includes a mix of physical, occupational and speech therapies all designed with the individual’s specific needs and abilities in mind.
“The goal of therapy is to alleviate pain and return to mobility,” says Jean Brooks, Senior Vice President of Rehabilitation, American Senior Communities. ‘What seniors may not realize is that therapists know how to work with older adults so that exercise can be done in a safe and effective manner. Research has shown that seniors can increase strength well into their 90s!”
Why is Physical Therapy for Seniors Important for a Successful Recovery?
Physical therapy is a particularly important component in a successful recovery because it improves an individual’s strength, flexibility and mobility. Physical therapy for seniors is beneficial for a variety of reasons, including:
- Reducing the risk of a fall. One of the most common reasons a senior needs physical therapy is to recover from a fall. Falls are the leading case of accidents among seniors and often result in a bone fractures and other injuries. A physical therapist can teach seniors techniques to prevent a fall.
- Lowering risk of injury. Physical therapy helps seniors learn how to maintain their stability as it relates to gravity when they’re mobile. This awareness helps reduce the risk of injuries and re-injury.
- Decreasing pain from chronic conditions. Physical therapy can help alleviate discomfort from conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis and offset any…
This article was sourced from American Senior Communities.