When looking for senior physical therapy after a fall, there are a number of exercises that can specifically help with increasing and supporting mobility. Working with a trained physical therapist will ensure you are doing exercises designed specifically to improve mobility and that you will get the most out of the exercises. When your mobility and flexibility are not their best, you are at a greater risk for a fall that could be very difficult to recover from. Developing a personalized guide to physical therapy for seniors is ideal.
Retirement living communities offer many amenities to support a healthy lifestyle, and physical therapy is one of these amenities. To find out more about incorporating senior physical therapy into your living experience, contact Parkway Place today at 281.305.1846.
Senior Physical Therapy
As we age, our bodies change. Daily functions can become more difficult to do, and without regular exercise, puts anyone at risk for accidents and breaking bones that will take longer to heal. Incorporating regular exercise—and better yet, physical therapy—into your routine can help to improve:
- Balance
- Coordination
- Flexibility
- Muscle strength
Beyond conditions directly related to mobility—like arthritis and multiple sclerosis—poor physical health can aggravate conditions like dementia, diabetes, and heart diseases.
When you take part in senior physical therapy you will work with a licensed physical therapist and come up with a plan that works for you and your unique needs. Physical therapy plans can be designed for recovery following an accident or injury, or it can be to improve general mobility and flexibility to avoid a fall.
After a Fall
Falls can cause serious injuries, especially in older adults. In fact, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for seniors. As we age, it becomes increasingly important to maintain our balance and mobility in order to prevent falls.
If you have recently experienced a fall or are concerned about your risk for falling, seeking out senior physical therapy can greatly benefit you. A physical therapist can assess your current mobility and strength levels, identify areas of improvement, and develop a personalized exercise plan to help prevent future falls.
A Senior’s Guide to Physical Therapy After a Fall
Developing a guide to physical therapy for seniors after a fall is crucial for a speedy and safe recovery. While every individual’s needs may vary, there are some general exercises that can help improve mobility and decrease the risk of falling again.
- Gait training – This involves practicing proper walking techniques to improve balance and coordination. Your physical therapist may also incorporate obstacles or uneven surfaces to challenge your balance.
- Strength training – Building muscle strength can help support your joints and improve overall mobility. Your physical therapist may use resistance bands or weights during these exercises.
- Range of motion exercises – These are designed to improve flexibility and decrease pain in the joints. They can include stretching, gentle movements, or using tools like foam rollers.
- Balance exercises – Similar to gait training, these exercises focus on improving balance and coordination to prevent future falls. This can include standing on one leg, using a balance board, or practicing Tai Chi.
Working with a trained physical therapist will ensure that these exercises are tailored to your needs and abilities. Additionally, they can monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed to help you achieve the best results.
Enroll in Physical Therapy at Parkway Place Today
Get the most out of life in your senior years by taking the best care of yourself possible. Staying healthy, active, and mobile will allow you to take part in as much of your life as you can. Physical therapy can help support a senior’s mobility and is offered as an added service as part of many senior living communities, like Parkway Place.
Contact Parkway Place online or call 281.305.1846 for more information on the benefits of a senior living community.