I may be biased, but I think physical therapy is a very effective way, not only to maintain, but to improve the physical and mental health of seniors and the elderly. If you’re a caregiver, then you know that seniors generally develop mobility issues. Some times the problem with mobility is due to suspected “chronic pain”. This could be due to legitimate chronic things like arthritis or failed surgeries. But, in lot of cases, what’s considered “chronic pain” is nothing more than weak and/or tight muscles. Participating with physical therapy can help reduce or eliminate many of these types of lifestyle mobility issues that seniors face.
I take a look, in this article, at several areas where older folks can benefit from working with a physical therapist. I’ll go over 5 basic benefits that therapy can help with.
Benefit #1: Improved Mobility
As we get older and especially after retirement, people tend to become more sedentary. This means people sit a lot more than they move. All of our bodies go thru changes that can make it difficult to move around. One major change that is exacerbated by being sedentary, is Sarcopenia. This is the progressive loss of muscle tissue that affects everyone and leads to general overall weakness.
To combat this loss of muscle, physical therapists can develop individual, targeted exercise programs for seniors that will help improve their specific mobility challenges. These home exercise programs (HEP) can increase flexibility, and strength in the targeted muscles.
By committing and sticking with the exercise program, seniors will realize improvements with mobility over time, which will improve their confidence and quality of life. And, because of this they are also less likely to suffer any falls, which can cause serious problems for older adults.
Benefit #2: Pain Management
Chronic pain is a common problem for many seniors. As mentioned above, a good deal of our issues with pain, regardless of our age, has to do with muscle weakness and tightness. In some cases muscular pain is from overuse of specific muscle groups. And seniors are not immune to overuse injuries.
Physical therapists can help the elderly understand why they may be having pain and then how to better manage it. Physical therapists can use (what we call in the business) modalities like therapeutic ultrasound or electrical stimulation to help reduce pain. In other cases, manual therapies, like massage or stretching may be more appropriate. And, then there is also the use of ice, called cryo-therapy, or the use of heat (which has no special name) to help relax tissues and reduce swelling (n the case of ice). These are all approaches to manage pain apart from medications. But the overall goal of most therapists is to teach the individual how to find a strategy they can use individually to manage their own pain.
Benefit #3: Improved Balance
Falls and the injuries that result are a serious issue with the elderly population. Physical therapy can help assess the reason why someone may be experiencing falls and also help develop programs to limit the amount of falls a person may have. It’s important to understand that there are many possible reasons a person may lose their balance. Over or under-medication, loss of feeling in one’s feet, poor eyesight, issues with blood pressure, and weakness are just a few of the reasons people may lose their balance. I’ve written an article that explores these reasons and more.
A physical therapy assessment can help you understand why a senior may have bad balance making them more prone to falls. Once the assessment is complete, the therapist can develop a plan of care, or recommend the proper equipment, that can help a person manage the cause of their imbalance a lot better. Therapists can recommend exercises that focus on core strength, posture, and coordination, which are all important for good balance.
Benefit #4: Faster Recovery
Most people connect physical therapy to rehabilitation. But, did you know that therapists can also provide a person pre-habilitation? Pre-habilitation are specific exercises therapists provide that help seniors who may be scheduled for a future surgery, build muscles and strength that will allow them to recover from their surgery a lot faster.
But, for those seniors who haven’t had pre-hab, they can still benefit from the services of a therapist for typical rehab treatment because any type of mobility and exercise generally increases circulation, reducing inflammation, and encouraging deep breathing and air exchange will all help with healing after a surgery.
Benefit #5: Improved Mental Health
Physical activity not only improves physical health but also has a positive impact on mental health. Seniors who increase their activity levels with the help of a physical therapist can expect to experience a boost in their mood and energy levels. This is because physical activity causes our bodies to release chemicals called endorphins. These are happy chemicals, which promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Keep in mind, seniors who feel better physically are more likely to engage in social activities. These social activities can bring a sense of community and give seniors a sense of worth which can have a positive impact on their mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is physical therapy safe for seniors? A: Yes, physical therapy is safe for seniors. Physical therapists are trained to work with seniors and understand their unique needs and limitations.
Q: How long does physical therapy take for seniors? A: The length of physical therapy for seniors depends on their individual needs and goals. Some seniors may require a few days or weeks of therapy, while others may require a couple of months.
Q: Will my insurance cover physical therapy for seniors? A: Many insurance plans cover physical therapy for seniors. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to determine the specific coverage. I wrote about it here.
In Summary
Physical therapy is a valuable tool for seniors looking to maintain or improve their physical and mental health. The 5 benefits of physical therapy for seniors discussed in this article are improved mobility, pain management, improved balance, faster recovery, and improved mental health. Seniors who receive physical therapy can enjoy a better quality of life and remain active and healthy. If you or a loved one is a senior, consider physical therapy as a way to improve overall well-being.
Bryan Williams
Physical Therapist
is a licensed therapist with near 30 years of professional experience treating a diverse patient population in a multitude of settings. With simple strategies, he educates and empowers his clients with simple strategies to help them move better and with less pain.