Don’t Miss Out As You Age
There are few things more important than maintaining your health and independence. For many seniors, weekends that used to be filled with cheering on grandchildren at sporting events or outings with friends turn into sedentary time at home. A decrease in mobility can also increase your fall risk. While not completely preventable, fall risk can be reduced by working with a trained medical professional, such as a physical therapist. For those amongst us that have underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or diabetes, living a healthy and active lifestyle is even more important.
Bay State Physical Therapy is here for you! Your physical therapist is a member of your healthcare team that can help you regain your independence! Not sure if you would benefit from working with a physical therapist on your balance? Answer these questions to see if you or a loved one are at risk for falling:
- Have there been two or more falls in the past year?
- Has there been an injury due to a fall?
- Has there been any loss of balance while walking, even if there wasn’t a fall or injury?
- Have you stopped doing activities that were once enjoyed?
- Have you noticed muscle weakness, especially in the legs?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, having a conversation with your medical provider is incredibly important. Ask your medical provider about the benefits of physical therapy!
Benefits of Physical Therapy to Reduce Fall Risk
Physical therapists are musculoskeletal experts who understand the aging process and the level of strength and mobility needed to stay safe. During your physical therapy, your PT will:
- Identify your risks for falling and discuss those that apply.
- Review your prior medical history and medications.
- Discuss home safety precautions and how to make simple changes to improve safety.
- Perform a simple physical assessment, including simple, functional tests to help classify risk level.
- Develop a personalized care plan to help you preserve independence and safety to help you remain active.
Whether you’ve become deconditioned due to months away from the gym or noticed a new challenge to your everyday activities, it only takes one slip or trip to end up with significant injuries.
Six Ways a Physical Therapist Can Help You:
- Increase strength and endurance
- Reduce pain that limits your ability to move comfortably
- Educate you on how to exercise safely on your own to enhance physical and mental wellness
- Decrease the likelihood of falls
- Preserve your independence and safety in your home and around your community
- Improve your quality of life
Working together, we will identify your unique needs and goals to design your treatment plan! The goal will be to improve your function, reduce your pain, and increase your mobility. Your PT can teach you several exercises for each area of your body. These will be exercises you can do at home or wherever your travels take you. A well-balanced strength and flexibility program helps prepare your body for new demands, reducing the likelihood of injury.
The result will be better strength, balance, and safety and a lower risk of falls.
Stay Active and Independent as You Age!
Getting older may have a bad reputation, but there is plenty you can do to make the most of your journey! While you may not be able to perform your favorite activities at the same level you once did, that’s ok! Physical therapists are uniquely trained to understand the physical demands of activities. With this knowledge, they can counsel you on changes that can be made so you can continue enjoying what you love. Working together, your physical therapist can provide you with proactive guidance on staying engaged and safe to keep moving forward. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to try something new!
Getting started on your health journey can be the most difficult part, especially if you’ve never attended physical therapy before. That’s ok- we are here to help you! Take action now to stay safe and active as you age. Complete the form below to request an appointment or call your nearest Bay State Physical Therapy location.
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