Senior Rehabilitation
Seniors sometimes deal with numerous debilitating conditions that make it difficult for them to maintain mobility and independence. Fortunately, working with a physical therapist may make it possible for seniors to lead a more independent and active lifestyle after a surgery or illness. Our physical therapists are skilled at assisting people to regain strength and flexibility.
Gait Evaluation and Training
Walking is essential to maintaining independence. However, several conditions affect the individual's ability to walk. The speed of the gait tends to decline as double stance time, or the time spent with both feet on the ground during walking, tends to increase. Problems with symmetry and synchronicity also occur, making it difficult for older adults to remain ambulatory.
Our gait evaluation and training techniques are clinically proven to help seniors be more active. A physical therapist comprehensively assesses current gait to discern any problems. Then, a training regimen is introduced. These programs are individualized to ensure maximum effectiveness. The gait is periodically re-evaluated to check progress and to guide further training.
Balance and Falls Risk Assessment and Training
Falls become increasingly hazardous for people over the age of 80. Often, it's a combination of weak leg muscles, balance problems, various medical conditions and other factors that make a person more susceptible to falling. Our physical therapists know that patients who have more than one of these risk factors are far more likely to be injured in a fall.
Physical therapists perform an assessment that includes the medications taken by the individual, a medical history review, blood pressure measurements, heart rate checks and more to determine how likely a person is to suffer a fall. Then, it's necessary to measure leg strength and study the individual's movement patterns and balance before prescribing appropriate strength and balance training.
Osteoporosis Education and Rehabilitation
Men and women who suffer from low bone density, which is called osteoporosis, are particularly at risk to fractures. If they fall, then the need for surgery and physical therapy may be acute. The road to recovery is long, but our physical therapists are trained to educate patients about osteoporosis, and they can also help with a rehabilitation program that returns seniors to strength and mobility.
Regular exercise has been shown to protect people with osteoporosis from fractures by improving their body mechanics and posture. Many of our patients have regained balance while also becoming stronger and more flexible. If you have osteoporosis, then a visit with one of our physical therapists may be the answer to protecting yourself.
Vestibular Training
A range of inner ear disorders may be responsible for feelings of dizziness, vertigo or loss of balance. Fortunately, vestibular training can be used to ameliorate these symptoms. Patients can expect their physical therapist to evaluate them to identify their problem areas. A customized treatment plan is then created. This plan may consist of a variety of exercises that are designed to decrease dizziness and improve balance. Coping strategies that help patients cope with their condition may also prove to be valuable. With the efforts of our experienced physical therapists, more people are able to move through the world with confidence.
Endurance and Functional Strengthening
The muscles degenerate as the body ages, and this frequently leads to difficulty walking and engaging in everyday activities. Still, studies show that cardiovascular exercise and strength training significantly improve quality of life for seniors. Our physical therapists can provide seniors with a workable, common-sense program of endurance and functional strengthening exercises that will keep individuals independent longer. Patients may be recovering from a long-term illness or a surgery, but sometimes they are simply interested in finding ways to stay strong and active as they age. Our physical therapists can provide meaningful services to all of these individuals.
Multisensory Training
Multisensory training is ideal for seniors who want to maintain their physical independence and keep their mind sharp. Typically, people who undergo this training notice an improvement in their visual motor integration and their ability to process visual and auditory cues. As perceptual motor skills are enhanced, seniors also build postural control and more confident balance skills. This can reduce the risk of falls, improve functional mobility and increase physical endurance even as the senses are honed. If you want to enhance your quality of life, then contact our physical therapists about multisensory training.
Arthritis
Older people are often plagued by the pain and discomfort of this ailment. Because arthritis makes movement painful, it seems easier to limit physical activities. Unfortunately, that's hardly a prescription for a full and happy life. A physical therapist may be able to help seniors find ways to move that are safe and effective. Our physical therapists may help patients to use better posture and body mechanics so they can do everyday tasks with less pain. We may also demonstrate the right way to use assistive devices and make recommendations regarding treatment options. It may not be possible to make arthritis disappear, but we can definitely make life less painful and more enjoyable.
Stroke/ CVA
Strokes, which can be referred to as cerebrovascular accidents or CVAs, are extremely common. Studies suggest that there are more than 200,000 cases in the U.S. each year. Recovering from a stroke requires dedication and hard work. When those efforts are directed by a physical therapist, the chances of making a meaningful recovery are greatly increased. Our therapists can assist patients to resume the activities of daily living and make recommendations for helpful assistive or adaptive equipment. Training for balance and ambulation may be covered as well as cognitive retraining. We assess each patient's individual needs before proposing a suitable rehabilitation program.
Personalized Fitness Programs
Staying fit is the key to leading a healthy life. Various medical conditions and illnesses can complicate the ability to continue to exercise as a senior. Fortunately, we can craft an individualized fitness program that addresses each patient's specific needs and issues. With our assistance, more people are able to remain fit and active well into their retirement years.