Integrative Approaches Physical Therapy Uses for Elders

By Kevin Sharples, Owner | June 19, 2024 | Comments Off on Integrative Approaches Physical Therapy Uses for Elders

Physical therapy providers offer a variety of different tools and techniques to help seniors improve mobility, strength, and overall health. They don’t just use exercise, however. Physical therapists look at what their patients need and try a variety of different types of integrative approaches to fully assist them.

Here are some of the ways physical therapists use a variety of techniques with their patients.

Physical Therapy and Aging Adults

Physical Therapy Dearborn Heights MI - Integrative Approaches Physical Therapy Uses for Elders

Physical Therapy Dearborn Heights MI – Integrative Approaches Physical Therapy Uses for Elders

Physical therapy focuses most on restoring and maintaining functional independence for patients. In aging adults, this usually means addressing issues related to strength, pain, balance, and mobility. The most common way that physical therapists make progress with their patients is through exercises, but they also use tools like hot and cold therapy, massage therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy, and more. Other complementary approaches also help.

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient movement practice that uses physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Yoga is gentle movement, which can help to stretch muscles and joints without causing additional pain. Seniors who practice yoga regularly can see improved flexibility, better balance and stability, and less stress overall. Physical therapists help to ensure that seniors are staying within their recommended movement ranges and are doing the yoga poses properly.

Tai Chi

Tai chi is a form of martial art that uses slow and deliberate movements while focusing on deep breathing. This is a powerful type of exercise that can build strength and coordination without causing seniors to overexert themselves. For seniors with breathing issues, something like tai chi can help them to move more while keeping their lungs healthy and safe.

Mindfulness

Physical therapy focuses primarily on physical well-being, of course, but there’s an aspect of mental well-being that physical therapy can help to address, too. Mindfulness practices like breathing strategies and meditation can assist with issues like pain management, emotional well-being, and improving focus. Using mindfulness practices in conjunction with other physical therapy modalities can help the entire person.

Manual Treatments

Massage, hot and cold treatments, and other types of manual therapies help seniors address other issues that can cause pain. Muscle and joint stiffness greatly benefit from manual treatments. Symptoms like edema can also be relieved through manual treatments as well as other therapies. Other types of treatments, like soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salts, can be helpful and soothing for seniors.

Benefits of Integrative Approaches

Choosing to include integrative approaches gives seniors multiple benefits. By addressing both physical and mental health needs, seniors face challenges as whole people. They’re more likely to have better motivation and desire to stick with their therapy programs. These integrative approaches can also help promote lifestyle changes that contribute to long-term wellness.

Physical therapy addresses some specific issues for seniors. When physical therapists include more integrative approaches into more traditional therapy plans, these methods can help boost the efficacy of those treatments while adding other types of assistance. Seniors can improve their overall well-being, both physically and mentally, by using a holistic approach to their physical therapy plans.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Physical Therapy Services in Dearborn Heights MI, please contact the caring staff at No Place Like Home Health, LLC today. 734-259-4200

Connecting Families with Compassionate & Quality Home Health Care In Wayne, Oakland, Livingston & Washtenaw.

Kevin Sharples, Owner
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