A wide variety of physical health issues are common among older adults. To address these issues effectively, you need access to the proper support and treatment. That’s why quality retirement communities include physical therapy among their senior care services. The right therapy services can help you overcome the effects of physical injury. They can also help you restore some of your most essential physical functions. 
At Parkway Place, we’re dedicated to helping seniors stay vital and healthy in retirement. In line with this goal, we make a broad range of physical therapy options available to all residents. Regardless of your situation, you’ll receive the support you need to regain and maintain your daily well-being.
What Is Senior Physical Therapy?
The older you get, the more likely you are to experience certain kinds of problems with your daily physical function. Some of these problems are the result of age-related changes in your body. Over time, such changes can have a negative impact on your:
- Joint flexibility
- Muscle strength
- Body balance and coordination
In turn, reduced function in these areas increases your chances of falling or otherwise injuring yourself. It also increases your exposure to short-term and chronic pain.
Your day-to-day physical function can also be negatively impacted by a wide variety of illnesses. The list of these conditions includes various forms of arthritis. It also includes dementia, diabetes, strokes, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
The goal of physical therapy for seniors is to help them function better in everyday life. Within this goal, specific needs vary from person to person. For example, some seniors need help recuperating following an accident. Others are experiencing age-related declines in their basic physical abilities. In addition, some older adults are dealing with the effects of chronic health conditions.
A trained physical therapist can help in each of these scenarios. After receiving your doctor’s referral, your therapist will assess your condition. They will then create a customized treatment plan and explain what to expect.
Types of Senior Physical Therapy Services
Physical therapy is a vast field. The types of services you need to feel better depend on your particular situation. For instance, a number of exercises can help you improve your flexibility, strength, and body balance. Common examples include stretching, walking, and strength training.
There are also a variety of physical therapy techniques to help you cope with or overcome pain. Options used for this purpose include:
- Massage
- Hydrotherapy
- Heat therapy
- Cold therapy
- Electrical stimulation
In addition, your therapist can help you learn how to move better in everyday life.
Using Physical Therapy for Seniors to Treat Other Conditions
Senior physical therapy services may also form part of your treatment plan for other health conditions. For example, if you’ve suffered a stroke, therapy can help you strengthen the affected parts of your body. If you have dementia, directed exercise may help you preserve your memory function. It can also help offset some of dementia’s physical side effects. Such side effects include weak or stiff muscles. They also include balance problems and fatigue.
Seek Senior Physical Therapy at Parkway Place
Want more information on your potential senior physical therapy options? Reach out to the senior living experts at Parkway Place. We know how important effective physical therapy can be as you age. With our help, you can get an idea if you or your loved one will benefit from it.
Every day, Parkway Place uses physical therapy to support our residents’ health and wellness. All therapy takes place under the watchful eye of our experienced specialists. It’s also customized to help you meet your specific needs and goals. Call us today at 281.305.1846 or complete our online contact form.