Honoring Physical Therapists

Physical therapy is helpful for people of any age, but older adults can find a multitude of benefits from PT, from aiding in recovery after an accident or illness to recognizing an issue that may not seem problematic now but may lead to a larger concern in the future.  

Physical therapists are licensed doctors who work with patients whose lives are changed by injury, disease or movement dysfunction. These professionals are able to optimize the quality of life for patients by restoring, improving and maintaining their ability to function, move and attain a more active lifestyle.  This is very important for older adults, who may be facing challenges maintaining their independence.  

The complexities of aging are a natural fit for a physical therapist to help address, given their experience and expertise in exercise and movement. By assessing, offering exercise prescription and monitoring progress, physical therapists can make a difference in the lives of their patients. Physical therapists are instrumental in helping clients of every age to engage in the five main areas of fitness, which encompasses balance, posture, flexibility, strength and endurance. 

One popular misconception about physical therapy is that it is only prescribed by a physician after an older adult has had surgery like hip replacement or following an injury. The far reaching perks of PT can actually assist older adults to manage a range of conditions and improve their quality of life, making it an effective tool for an older adult to feel confident physically.  Some physical conditions that can be helped with the use of PT include: 

• Dizziness or vertigo can be debilitating in daily life. A physical therapist who specializes in the field of vestibular PT can be a game changer for a patient who is impacted by balance concerns stemming from an issue in the inner ear.  
• Older adults with brittle bones or osteoporosis, impacting a large percentage of the population over the age of 50, can find improvements in bone health and decrease in bone loss with physical therapy. 
• Physical therapy can help older adults who are experiencing a range of neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease to more easily perform their tasks of daily living. 
• If an older adult is dealing with osteoarthritis, a physical therapist can work with them using exercises that can increase their range of motion as well as decrease pain.  

CarePatrol understands that aging is exciting…and can be challenging. A team of professionals including physical therapists can help older adults to live their best lives possible. It takes a village to provide the best care and our local senior care advisors have been helping families for over 3 decades to find the right solutions.  We are proud to help older adults thrive!