Why Do Seniors Lean to One Side and Can Physical Therapy Help?
Quite often, some of the physical changes that seniors experience happen slowly until they’re doing something they don’t realize they’re doing, like leaning to one side while walking. The cause could be due to an injury, pain, or some other cause, but how can they resolve the problem? Physical therapy services might be exactly what these seniors need.
Possible Causes of Leaning
Physical Therapy Redford MI – Why Do Seniors Lean to One Side and Can Physical Therapy Help?
Leaning to one side is a common problem for seniors and it happens for a variety of reasons. Some seniors have balance disorders that cause them to be unsteady and lean. Others might not be as physically active, so muscle weakness causes them to have uneven posture. Neurological conditions, vision problems, and joint pain or arthritis can also be contributing factors. Many of these causes may not be able to be cured, but the leaning can at least be addressed with the help of physical therapy.
Addressing Leaning Issues through Physical Therapy
Physical therapists meet with their patients to watch them move and assess what is happening while they determine a course of action. The plan they put together involves incorporating a variety of strategies and solutions that can help seniors to reduce their leaning over time. As patients start to improve, physical therapists may find other solutions that can help them even more. Eventually, seniors may not even need physical therapy any longer.
Physical Therapy Strategies That Can Help
But how do physical therapists make this happen? They use a variety of strategies like customized exercise programs, gait training, and even assistive devices. Personalized exercise plans target the specific underlying causes of leaning for each patient. Gait training helps seniors improve their ability to walk and addresses balance issues. In some cases, seniors may need canes, walkers, or other assistive devices to help them regain stability and mobility.
Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Treatments
Ongoing assessment is a big part of physical therapy. Therapists work with their patients to monitor how they’re doing and see if the treatment plan needs to be adjusted. This keeps the patient on target improving their ability to walk safely, reduce leaning, and remain mobile. As patients improve, they may no longer need physical therapy to keep them moving and to keep their quality of life stable.
Collaborating with Healthcare Providers
Physical therapists may also work closely with healthcare providers if the cause of the leaning issues is a medical one. Doctors and physical therapists can help seniors access the full range of support they need to stop leaning. If the problem isn’t curable one, there might still be treatments that medical providers can offer that help somewhat and allow seniors to improve their quality of life.
Overall, it’s all about keeping seniors safe, happy, and mobile. When they’re having so much trouble walking that they’re leaning, it’s time to get the situation addressed as fully as possible. Physical therapy can do so much to reduce leaning, help seniors regain independence, and ensure that they fully enjoy their lives.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Physical Therapy Services in Redford 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.
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