Staying independent even while aging is a top goal for many older adults. While aging in place can be challenging for a wide variety of reasons, maintaining mobility and strength is key to ensuring as much independence as possible. Physical therapy (PT) can play a helpful role for independent seniors, offering tailored treatments that improve overall health and quality of life.
The role of PT in senior health
PT is a medical treatment to help improve how the body moves. Often, PT is thought of as treatment for injuries or to get better after surgery, but it can also be a proactive approach for overall health. Some ways that PT can specifically help seniors are:
- Improving mobility. Mobility is the ability to move or walk freely and easily – and critical for aging independently. PT includes exercises that enhance flexibility, balance, and coordination, which support daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of a chair.
- Building strength. As we grow older, we lose muscle mass and strength. But we need stronger muscles to support our joints and reduce the possibility of injury. We also need to build bone tissue to prevent osteoporosis. Using resistance bands, weights, or body weight, physical therapists can guide seniors through tailored movements to improve specific muscle strength.
- Managing pain. Chronic pain from conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis can severely impact a person’s quality of life. Research finds that older adults with pain are 70–80% less likely to perform daily activities. PT includes pain management techniques such as manual therapy, exercises, and modalities like heat or cold therapy, which can alleviate discomfort and improve function.
A typical PT appointment
A typical PT session begins with an assessment of the senior’s physical abilities, medical history, and personal goals. The therapist then creates a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Exercises to target areas of weakness or stiffness and improve balance, flexibility, and strength.
- Manual therapy such as massage, stretching, or joint mobilization to reduce pain and improve mobility.
- Education about proper posture, body mechanics, and how to use assistive devices if needed.
Common PT treatments used to help seniors are:
- Gait training to improve walking patterns so seniors can walk more confidently, reducing the risk of falls.
- Balance movement like standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe to help prevent falls.
- Strength exercises to build key muscle groups, like those around the hips and knees, for better movement and stability.
World Physical Therapy Day on September 8 is an opportunity to raise awareness about the vital role of physical therapy in maintaining health and independence. It’s a reminder that physical therapy is not just about rehabilitation but also about living a healthier, more independent life! We encourage individuals, families, and caregivers to explore how PT might be a benefit for aging in place.
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Sources: NIH; Norton Healthcare; NCBI; Missouri Medicine; Verywell Health