As seniors age, they can experience health issues that impact their independence. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, physical therapy for senior citizens can help maintain their overall health. Seniors must get the care they need to stay active and safe. And physical therapy can play a crucial role in this. There are a variety of physical therapies that include long-term therapy and short-term rehabilitation therapy.
Buckner Retirement Services is always available to answer questions about our services, including senior physical therapy. To learn more, call us at 214.227.7182.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy for senior citizens aims to help people relieve pain, learn different ways of moving their bodies, and function better. Physical therapists complete each client’s evaluation to develop a care plan to guide future sessions. Therapists often employ hands-on treatments along with teaching special exercises. Physical therapy can help with the following health concerns:
- Pain
- Limited mobility
- Injury recovery
- Injury prevention
- Rehabilitation following an accident
- Management of chronic illnesses
- Adaptation after surgery
- Learning to use devices like walkers
In many states, physical therapy can be scheduled with or without a referral from a doctor. However, many insurance plans only cover the cost of physical therapy if a doctor prescribes it.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors
There are many benefits physical therapy can provide for seniors. Some seniors may only need a few sessions, while others may benefit from long-term care.
Fall Prevention
Building muscle and improving balance to prevent falls are the primary reasons seniors seek physical therapy. As seniors age, they can lose flexibility and strength, which impacts balance. Falls can be very dangerous for seniors, and physical therapy can help reduce the risk of a serious fall.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that impacts many seniors. It is a medical condition that causes bones to become less dense and more fragile, which puts sufferers at a greater risk for fractures.
Physical therapy with an exercise component can help slow down the progression of osteoporosis and build muscle around bones to support them. Seniors who have regular physical therapy sessions can keep their bones strong and minimize the risk of fractures if an accident does happen.
Arthritis
Many seniors seek out physical therapy to help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. There is no cure for arthritis, and it can often result in severe pain that makes performing everyday tasks difficult. Physical therapists can teach seniors exercises to relieve discomfort and activity modifications to relieve pressure on the joints.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Physical Therapy for Seniors
Both long-term and short-term physical therapy can be helpful to seniors. Seniors who need help with a specific skill or who need to learn pain relief techniques may be able to stop sessions after a few months. Short-term physical therapy for senior citizens can have long-lasting positive effects.
On the other hand, some seniors may benefit from long-term therapy that involves regular sessions for years. Seniors should work with their doctor and their therapist to determine what form of therapy is right for them. Therapists may also need to try various techniques until they find something effective.
Nutritional Counseling Supports Physical Efforts
Eating right is just as important as physical exercise for seniors. To support the body’s healing process and overall health, seniors must have a healthy diet that provides essential nutrients. Physical therapists often work closely with nutritionists or provide nutritional counseling themselves to ensure their clients are receiving proper nourishment.
Seniors can benefit from a diet rich in:
- Leafy greens – Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are rich in calcium to support bone health.
- Lean protein – Chicken, fish, beans, and nuts are excellent sources of lean protein that promotes muscle growth.
- Whole grains – Oats, quinoa, brown rice, and whole-grain bread provide fiber for digestive health.
While seniors complete physical therapy, therapists can educate them about the importance of a balanced diet and help them develop personalized meal plans. Buckner Retirement Services offers holistic support for seniors in our communities throughout Texas. From healthy meal and dining services to fitness classes and physical therapy, we strive to help seniors live their best lives.
Call Buckner Retirement Services for Senior Care in Texas
At Buckner Retirement Services, we know the struggles that seniors face when they experience health issues or a loss of mobility. We do everything we can to make residents feel at home, including offering physical therapy for seniors. Whether seniors prefer visits from an on-site therapist or they want to arrange transportation to a therapy center, our staff is ready to help.
We offer a variety of programs and services that provide our residents the physical, emotional, and social support they need to age with grace. Our supportive structures encourage independence and give a sense of community. To get started with Buckner Retirement Services, call us today at 214.227.7182 or complete our online form.