Aging causes numerous changes in the body, from decreased mobility to balance issues. This can be disheartening for seniors, but physical therapy is an excellent way to both strengthen the body and combat these issues. The licensed therapists at The Center for Outpatient Therapy in Crossville, TN, are dedicated to improving their senior patients’ quality of life. They are here to discuss how elderly patients can benefit from physical therapy.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

1. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

Seniors often have difficulties practicing regular physical activities due to the fear of falling or a lack of energy. Physical therapy helps to promote a healthy lifestyle by increasing strength and improving range of motion. It also restores balance and flexibility, which will encourage your loved one to move around more and participate in day-to-day activities.

2. Reduce Risk of Falls

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death for adults over the age of 65. While removing potential fall hazards around the home are the first step, physical therapy plays an important role in decreasing the risk of a fall. Therapists use a series of customized exercises to improve a patient’s balance, flexibility, and coordination, making them stronger and more resistant to falling.

3. Treat Chronic Illnesses

Physical therapy can also help seniors manage chronic conditions, such as arthritis and Parkinson’s. A therapist will form an exercise plan to alleviate the pain and target specific areas of the body affected by the patient’s condition. For example, a therapist may assign various pelvic exercises to a patient suffering from urinary incontinence to strengthen the muscles which control the bladder.  

If you or your aging loved one suffers from mobility or balance issues, physical therapy may be the most effective solution. For the leading senior care center in Crossville, TN, turn to the team of therapists at The Center for Outpatient Therapy. In addition to physical therapy, they also have personal physicians, nurses, and dieticians to assist with recovery. Schedule a consultation today by calling (931) 707-5687, or visit the website for more information about the services available.