Slowly but surely, we are all getting older; but just because we are aging doesn’t mean that we have to age poorly. As the inevitable process of aging occurs, physical therapy is a great tool that can be used to help people stay in shape, reduce likelihood of injury or disease, and sustain good health. Physical therapists are experts in movement and the right physical therapy programs can help patients reduce the amount of age-related health problems that occur in their lives.
With the help of a physical therapist, patients will be able to overcome pain, gain and maintain movement, and preserve their independence, which can ultimately reduce the need for surgery or long-term prescription drug use. Physical therapy can contribute positively to many specific aspects of aging. In honor of the new year, we would like to share a few of these many examples to hopefully motivate you to establish a new set of New Year’s Resolutions to age well!
1.) Reduce Chronic Pain: According to the American Pain Foundation, up to 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain each year. This leads to billions of dollars in medical treatment, as well as millions of people missing time from work. Physical therapists can help reduce pains by creating a program with proper exercise and mobility. Pain management techniques can ease pain while moving and at rest, improving your overall quality of life.
2.) Reduce the Need for Surgery and Prescription Drugs: There are many ailments, specifically for lower back pain, that are often overtreated with excessive surgery and prescription drugs. Physical therapists can plan exercises to help you manage this pain while avoiding surgery and prescription drug use. This will ultimately allow patients to save money and lead to a better quality of life.
3.) Avoid Falls: Physical therapists often treat patients who have undergone injuries because of falls. Tidewater Physical Therapy very often treats patients who have broken legs, fractured hips, and torn ligaments due to falling. According to MoveForward PT, about one in three U.S. adults age 65 or older falls each year, often sustaining injuries in the process. These numbers may be lessened by our physical therapists who create group-based exercises to help patients improve their movement and balance.
4.) Exercise Safely: Physical therapists can help older patients exercise safely, without the fear of injury. People who exercise regularly are less likely to develop heart disease, memory issues, and bone problems. Research has also proven that if a patient has one of these conditions already, appropriate exercises can improve a patient’s health.
Call us today to schedule an appointment. It’s never too early or late to start aging well!