The Secret to Reducing Pain and Regaining Independence

17 May The Secret to Reducing Pain and Regaining Independence

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When it comes to aging, maintaining one's independence is one thing nobody wants to give up.

Physical Therapy can help do just that. Not only does it support your independence and improve mobility, but it also helps alleviate pain, assist you in recovering from previous injuries, and manage certain health conditions. October is Physical Therapy Month which gives us the perfect opportunity to talk about something that’s so beneficial, especially in the elderly. In this article, we are going to help you understand what physical therapy is, squash any rumors or myths you might have heard, and help you understand the benefits physical therapy has to offer.

WHAT IS PHYSICAL THERAPY (PT)?
Physical therapy is an effective treatment for those with certain medical conditions or injuries that focuses on reducing pain and discomfort, and improving range of motion, posture, balance, coordination, mobility, flexibility, strength, and posture. Physical therapy helps patients regain their ability to perform day-to-day tasks and activities. It plays an important role for those recovering from injuries, illnesses, surgeries, and a variety of other health conditions.
Physical therapy can benefit people of all ages, young and old. And, contrary to what many people believe, most insurance companies will cover physical therapy up to a certain amount. If deemed medically necessary, insurance companies will continue to cover it after the limit has been reached.
WHY PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Physical therapy has been proven to help with a variety of ailments and injuries. In some cases, receiving physical therapy can even prevent unnecessary surgeries. In addition, seniors who experience chronic pain can find relief from therapeutic exercises that can even restore muscle functioning.

Improve Mobility and Balance

Many elderly struggling with mobility issues are often able to find help with the stretching and strengthening exercises that physical therapy offers. Physical therapists have also been known to help improve stroke patients’ abilities to move around in an effort to alleviate a caregiver’s responsibility of toileting, bathing, and grooming.

As we grow older, seniors are at a higher risk for falling and losing their balance. With a qualified physical therapist, however, balance can be restored and symptoms of dizziness and vertigo can be reduced, or eliminated altogether.

Manage Health Conditions

Physical therapy doesn’t stop at improvement with mobility. It’s also been proven to help those with diabetes, heart and lung disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, chronic pain, and other health and age-related conditions. Physical therapists offer a variety of beneficial exercises that can assist with managing blood sugar levels, helping patients recover or relieve pain, improve breathing, enhance flexibility, improve coordination, and gain strength.

In addition, those who suffer from incontinence, breast cancer, constipation, fibromyalgia, lymphedema, or pelvic problems may also find relief from physical therapy.

WHAT DOES PHYSICAL THERAPY ENTAIL?
You may have heard some rumors that physical therapy is painful. But in reality, the role of a physical therapist is to reduce pain and discomfort and restore proper functioning. A therapist will not surpass a patient’s pain tolerance.
For seniors, therapy typically involves a blend of techniques including stretching, weight lifting, walking, massaging, hydrotherapy, and electrical stimulation. The combination of these exercises and conditioning will help make daily tasks easier. Patients recovering from joint surgeries, a stroke, or those with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, vertigo, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, and many other conditions, have been known to benefit greatly from physical therapy.
LET AEGIS HELP YOU

Physical therapy is both a successful and effective treatment for a number of different conditions. Extensive research has shown that those who opt for physical therapy as initial treatment have 72% fewer healthcare costs in the first year.

Studies also show that every year, 50% of all adults in the U.S. will develop a musculoskeletal injury that lasts longer than 90 days, which equates to more than a hundred million people who could benefit from seeing a physical therapist. No matter your age, physical therapy can help you in about every area of health care. Our team of professionals at Aegis can help you restore your independence and make your life easier. Contact us today to see how.