Senior Spotlight: Don’t Wait Until You’re In Pain

Did you know that October is Physical Therapy Month? While physical therapy is frequently thought of for recovery from surgery and injury, this field has a wide range of ways to help people, especially seniors! In this blog we will be summarizing some key benefits and common myths about physical therapy. We truly hope this knowledge can help you or someone you love!

Physical Therapy 'Need To Knows':

1) You don’t need to have a diagnosed injury to benefit from physical therapy. They are not injury specialists; they are movements specialists. Harvard Health explains that physical therapists “improve mobility, enhance function, and optimize health across the board.”

2) Physical therapy can be used for injury treatment, but just as importantly, injury prevention. For seniors, key areas of support often address joint stiffness, issues with balance and mobility and decreased flexibility.

3) In addition to fall reduction, physical therapy can assess and often address issues related to disabilities and even mortality, according to the National Council On Aging.

4) When used as a long-term healthy aging strategy and not a reactionary recovery program, physical therapy has been shown to increase mobility, lessen fall risk, improve posture, strengthen muscles (which support joints!) and make daily life activities easier.

5) Pain is not the criteria for seeing a physical therapist. Don’t wait until you are in pain to see a physical therapist, and don’t assume the assessment and exercises will hurt! Brown University strongly advises that “Working with a physical therapist is a great choice at any stage of life.” Yes it can help you regain function after surgery or injury, but it can also help you regain confidence and promote independence.

While we highly value physical therapy for helping those with pain and injuries, we also want to acknowledge the role that these experts play in living longer and living better. Physical therapy is being increasingly recognized as a healthy, long-term aging strategy and we encourage you to embrace the movement!

All our best,

Bobbi

Resources Used: Cleveland Clinic; Brown University Health; National Council On Aging; American College of Healthcare and Technology; Harvard Medical School

Bobbi Decker
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