As the years pass us by, the importance of physical activity is paramount to sustaining our overall health and independence. This is why physical therapy for seniors is so critical. But how do you know when a senior is in need of physical therapy? The Corrigan House offers senior physical therapy services to our residents. We understand how important it is for older adults to stay active, and physical therapy can help seniors achieve their goals.
Our physical therapists are experienced in senior care and trained to create physical therapy programs that cater to the needs of our senior community. Call us at 570.956.0463 to learn more about our physical therapy programs for our residents and how we can help you or a senior loved one.
What Makes Senior Physical Therapy Different?
Senior physical therapy is different from traditional physical therapy in several ways. It is specifically tailored to the needs of older adults who may have health issues like arthritis or joint pain. Senior physical therapy aims to improve overall mobility and reduce pain while developing strength and balance.
An experienced physical therapist will adjust the exercises they provide based on a person’s individual needs and abilities, ensuring that each session is safe and beneficial. Physical activity is essential for seniors, regardless of their health conditions. If a senior in your life could benefit from physical therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Corrigan House.
How Can a Physical Therapy Program for Seniors Help
Physical therapy can be invaluable for seniors who want to maintain an active lifestyle. By engaging in regular physical activity, seniors can improve their:
- Strength
- Balance
- Flexibility
- Endurance
Regular exercise can also help reduce pain, increase energy levels, and improve mood. A good physical therapy program for seniors should include activities focusing on these areas so that the person receiving treatment can achieve the maximum benefit. The Corrigan House’s senior physical therapy program is designed to help residents improve their overall mobility, manage pain, and maintain an active lifestyle.
Are Physical Therapy Services for Seniors Necessary?
Physical therapy services are not always necessary for seniors. It depends on the individual’s health status and goals. If a senior has chronic pain or limited mobility due to an illness or injury, working with a qualified therapist might help them reach their goals.
On the other hand, if they wish to stay in shape or avoid injury, professional physical therapy services may not be necessary. Instead, individuals can focus on straightforward exercises such as walking and swimming—safe enough to do solo without supervision from a qualified practitioner.
How to Know when a Senior Needs Physical Therapy?
Noticing the signs of when a senior is in need of physical therapy can be difficult, especially if the senior is a loved one. Some signs that a senior may need physical therapy may include the following:
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks such as standing up or getting out of bed
- Chronic pain in the joints
- Limited mobility
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
- Problems with balance and dizziness
- Decreased range of motion in the arms and legs
- Reduced strength
Other common indications include chronic pain due to arthritis or joint degeneration, post-operative care following surgery such as a hip replacement, or a senior wanting to remain physically active in their senior years. If you think your family member may need assistance from a physical therapist, talk to their doctor first. The doctor will evaluate their condition and determine whether or not they would benefit from working with a specialist in senior care services, such as physical therapists.
Get Help at The Corrigan House
At The Corrigan House, we offer senior physical therapy services tailored to our senior residents’ individual needs. We understand how important it is for older adults to stay active, and physical therapy can help seniors achieve their goals. Our physical therapists are experienced in senior care and trained to create physical therapy programs that cater to the needs of our senior community. Contact us at 570.956.0463 or online to learn more about identifying when a senior is in need of physical therapy and how we can help you or a senior loved one.
