Celebrating National Physical Therapy Month: How Physical Therapy Enhances Senior Independence

A physical therapist and an older adult woman perform daily physical therapy exercises

October marks National Physical Therapy Month. It’s a time to recognize the transformative impact and power of physical therapy for older adults.

According to the National Council on Aging, physical therapy is a helpful preventative measure to reduce injuries. While it was once perceived as a reactionary measure, this overlooked therapy can provide lots of value for seniors before they get injured, keeping them safe and independent.

The Moorings at Lewes, a Springpoint affiliate, takes a whole-person approach to wellness through our multi-dimensional LivWell wellness program. We focus on creating customized programs tailored to each resident’s needs to help them achieve their goals.

Read on to learn more about the importance of physical therapy, the benefits of physical therapy, daily exercises to improve overall health, and how The Moorings can help you reach your fitness goals.

The Importance of Physical Therapy for Seniors

Physical therapy is a treatment that helps your body perform physical movements. This can be part of pain management or a component of a treatment plan for an injury or health condition. In fact, physical therapy is commonly performed after a surgery to help prevent future injuries.

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in maintaining a high quality of life. For seniors, physical therapy addresses age-related challenges, such as arthritis, joint pain, and muscle weakness. It can also help alleviate stiffness and improve balance and stability.

Strengthening muscles and improving balance helps reduce the risk of falls and future injuries. This supports functional independence in daily activities.

At The Moorings, our LivWell program focuses on the seven dimensions of wellness to give residents a better quality of life. Our activities include on-site health and wellness education, Tai Chi, and balance classes.

Key Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

Physical therapy offers numerous benefits to seniors, including helping to prevent falls and maintain independence. Here are some of the benefits:

Improved Mobility: Exercises are designed to improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and increase range of motion.
Pain Management: Physical therapy provides a non-pharmaceutical approach to managing chronic pain associated with conditions such as arthritis.
Increased Strength and Endurance: These exercises help build and preserve both muscle mass and bone density
Enhanced Balance: By improving balance, walking patterns, and overall physical fitness, physical therapy plays a crucial role in helping prevent falls.
Greater Independence: Staying strong can help build confidence to perform daily tasks safely and effectively, allowing older adults to live independently for longer.

Physical Therapy Exercises for Seniors to Try

While daily physical therapy exercises can range from chair yoga to Tai Chi and swimming, there are also a few balance exercises that you can do.

Below are balance exercises recommended by Johns Hopkins Medicine to reduce your risk of falling. Before you start, position yourself near a stable table or kitchen counter that you can use for support if needed. It’s also a good idea to have someone nearby while you practice.

1. Feet Apart

Stand with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart and keep your eyes open. Try to hold this position for 10 seconds, gradually increasing to 30 seconds as you improve. When you can maintain this stance steadily with little swaying, you’re ready to progress to the next exercise.

2. Feet Together

Stand with your feet together and your eyes open. Begin by holding for 10 seconds, then work toward maintaining the position for 30 seconds. Once you’ve mastered this with minimal swaying, move on to the next challenge.

3. One Foot

With your eyes open, lift one foot off the ground and balance on the other. Begin with 10-second holds and gradually increase to 30 seconds. Remember to switch feet and repeat the exercise on your other leg.

4. Eyes Closed

If you can perform the first three exercises safely with little need for support, challenge yourself by trying one of them with your eyes closed. Begin with 10 seconds and gradually extend to 30 seconds as your balance improves.

As you begin to incorporate daily physical therapy exercises into your routine, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Start slowly and listen to your body
Consistency is more important than intensity
Utilize proper support such as chairs, walls, or assistive devices
Warm up muscles before and cool them down after exercising

If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to consult your doctor or a professional physical therapist.

Physical Therapy Should Be Practiced Year-Round

National Physical Therapy Month serves as a reminder of the value of physical therapy for older adults, not only in the month of October, but year-round.

The Moorings is dedicated to promoting resident wellness and supporting residents in leading purposeful lives. We offer a full spectrum of health services, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and senior rehabilitation services.

If you’re interested in learning more about life at The Moorings, please contact us or schedule a tour to see what life’s like at our community with your own eyes.