Ask nearly any older adult and you’re likely to hear a story or two about his or her experiences with physical therapy. Touted as the go-to recovery means for a plethora of issues – from acute conditions such as falls and urinary tract infections, to chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s, arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, physical therapy has been shown to improve or restore strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, and range of motion. Physical therapy also helps patients relearn how to perform everyday activities and tasks.
For seniors who are suffering from chronic conditions or recovering from illness or injury, physical therapy offers a multitude of benefits, including:
- Physical therapy helps without medication. Unlike medicinal treatments, which can both help and harm in tandem if unwanted side effects come into play, physical therapy can provide an effective, drug-free option for pain relief, healing and improved quality of life.
- Physical therapy can keep conditions from worsening. Case in point: Parkinson’s patients who receive physical therapy treatment before reaching stage 4 of the disease are being shown to “almost always…prevent the severe symptoms of stage 4,” according to Tim Kauffman, PT, PhD, professor of physical therapy at Drexel University.
- Physical therapy utilizes memory triggers in dementia patients. For those with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, physical therapy helps maximize functional ability, reduce risk of falls, and even engage memories. It’s shown to be especially effective when the therapy incorporates favorite activities and hobbies from the patient’s past, such as gardening or dancing.
Conversely, those who do not follow a prescribed regimen of physical therapy are at increased risk for:
- Falls
- Ulcers and other skin issues
- Pneumonia
- Lowered endurance and strength
- Stiffness and pain
At Nightingale Homecare, we understand the numerous benefits to be gained from physical therapy, which is why we offer a specialized orthopedic rehabilitation program to seniors – right in the comfort of home!
Our professional physical and occupational therapists begin with a thorough needs assessment, performed in conjunction with the patient’s physician, and an evaluation of the patient’s home to determine appropriate safety and equipment needs.
We then create and implement an individualized exercise program, incorporating pain management and anticoagulation therapy as needed. We also utilize manual therapy, in which the therapist helps with stretching, bending, massage, joint and soft tissue mobilization, and more.
When combined with our expert Arizona senior care services, our therapeutic care helps seniors recover more quickly and more safely at home. Call us at 602-504-1555 if you’d like to learn more about how we can help your senior loved one realize the benefits of in-home physical therapy.
