With the aging baby boomer generation, one of the things we’ve seen at Horizon Rehab are more senior citizens coming through our door. This is a good thing, as physical therapy has many health benefits for older Americans, including keeping them independent longer. If your mom or dad are hesitant to start physical therapy, here are a few reasons why it can benefit them:
- It lessens their chance of a fall
The CDC estimates that falls are the leading cause of injury and death in older Americans. There are a number of reasons for this, such as worsening eyesight, a decreased sense of balance and medications that cause dizziness. Our balance rehab program can help reduce dizziness and increase overall balance.
- It can mitigate the impacts of osteoporosis
One of the reasons why falls can be so deadly for older Americans is because they’re more susceptible to breaking a bone, especially if they have osteoporosis. However, exercise and strength training can increase bone strength. Physical therapists show senior citizens how to exercise in a safe way that can mitigate the effects of osteoporosis.
- The effects of arthritis can be decreased
Arthritis strikes senior citizens in the joints, and this joint pain can lead to lowered mobility and an increased risk for a fall. Strength conditioning learned through physical therapy sessions can alleviate the symptoms of arthritis by preserving and strengthening the use of the joints.
- It can address their pain
More doctors are opting to send their patients to the physical therapist for pain instead of prescribing medicine, and for good reason! Physical therapists can work muscles, demonstrate stretches and prescribe a series of exercises that can address pain just as well as medication, all without being addictive.
If you’re worried about mom and dad’s ability to remain independent, talk to them about making an appointment with Horizon Rehab. We can even offer them remote therapy sessions if they live in a rural area. See our services page for everything we do.
Tags: physical therapy, senior citizens