Physical therapy is for all ages. The young use physical therapy to heal and prevent sports injuries. Older adults use it to improve the quality of their everyday life.
Want to learn why many seniors are visiting a physical therapy Omaha NE professional? Take a look at the importance of physical therapy in elderly.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment that is performed by a licensed professional called a physical therapist. It is used to help regain the movement and strength in key parts of the body after an injury or illness.
These professionals use different techniques depending on the patient's needs. Some of the most commonly used physical therapy techniques are exercise, hot or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, massage and aquatic therapy.
Common issues that seniors face
As a person ages, their body begins to change. The range of motion becomes limited, which may increase the risk of injuries. A report has found that one-third of people over the age of 65 fall each year. Falls are dangerous for seniors because they might live alone and not be able to get urgent care right away.
Aside from limited mobility, many seniors also struggle with chronic diseases. A report has found that about 80 percent of people over the age of 65 have at least one chronic condition. These conditions could limit their everyday activities. Some common chronic diseases elders struggle with include:
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Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Depression
Heart failure
Diabetes
Arthritis
High cholesterol
The good thing is that these conditions may become more manageable with a healthy diet, lifestyle change, and physical therapy.
The importance of physical therapy in elderly
Improves range of motion and flexibility
With age comes wisdom and muscle loss. Many adults began to lose their muscles as they began to age due to Sarcopenia. This condition decreases the range of motion and flexibility with time. Seniors can seek the help of physical therapy Omaha NE professionals to help improve their flexibility. Through the use of physical therapy exercises, seniors can increase their flexibility and maintain a healthier range of motion.
Reduces risk of falls
Many factors contribute to seniors falling every year in their homes. Some things that cause falls in seniors are poor sight, hearing and even balance problems. A report found that the number one cause of death in seniors are falls.
Aging adults can reduce their chances of falling by improving their balance. The good thing is physical therapy can help. Through the use of static and dynamic balance exercises, seniors can improve their ability to better react to a balance disturbance.
Manage chronic diseases
Chronic disease can make everyday activities painful and almost impossible to complete, like typing or brushing your teeth. That is why many seniors turn to physical therapy to help make living with a chronic disease a little easier. Physical therapy may help by reducing and managing chronic pain. Through the use of exercise, you can strengthen the body and reduce the need for pain medications.
Visit the best physical therapy Omaha NE office!
Whether you want to heal from an injury or improve balance, let us help! We can help to create a treatment plan that will make you feel like new again. Book your appointment here!
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