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By Aegis Therapies September 26, 2023

Physical therapy is defined as treating disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatments, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery.  Physical therapy (PT) can benefit people of all ages and abilities, including older adults.  PT can help seniors maintain their independence by improving muscle strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.

The physical therapists at Aegis Therapies are specially trained to evaluate and properly treat older adults to manage their conditions and prevent injuries or further health issues.  Our PTs create an individualized treatment plan to help each person reach their short-term and long-term goals and return to the level of independence they are accustomed to.  Older adults face different challenges than younger patients and can require a different form of treatment and our therapists are here to help provide that.

Here’s how physical therapy can benefit older adults:

1. Prevent Falls and Injury

Falls are more likely to happen as we age and seeing a physical therapist can help build strength and improve balance, decreasing your risk of falls.   PTs can teach older adults how to remain active without putting themselves at risk of injury or falls.

2. Recovery from Injury or Illness

With age comes the possibility of injury or illness.  PT can help speed up recovery time with education of proper healing plans and help to reduce swelling and inflammation.  They can also work with the patient to develop an exercise regime that will support joints, strengthen the muscular system, improve flexibility and even improve the immune system.

3. Promote Independence

Physical therapy is a great way to improve your quality of life and independence. For older adults, PT can help promote movement and confidence in performing everyday tasks, including meal preparation, household chores, laundry and lawn care.

4. Pain Management

Older adults may look to traditional medication as a way of managing pain.  If you suffer from medication side effects, physical therapy may be an effective way to manage that pain.  PT can alleviate pain through several different modalities such as heat, electrotherapy, massage and stretching.

5. Symptom Control

Older adults can suffer from various health conditions that physical therapy can help treat.  These conditions include vertigo, carpal tunnel, pelvic floor dysfunction, and chronic fatigue to name a few.   Physical therapy focuses on improving balance and range of motion and reducing inflammation from these conditions and many others.

Our therapists have helped thousands of seniors overcome their health conditions and return to their prior level of function.  Our goal is to help older adults stay active and healthy.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Aegis Therapies welcomes all persons in need of its services and does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or source of payment. Interpreter Services are available at no cost. Please visit your local Aegis Therapies location for assistance. Servicios de interpretación están disponibles sin costo. Visite su sucursal local de Aegis Therapies para recibir asistencia. 我们提供免费传译服务。请探访您的本地Aegis Therapies地点以获得协助