Best Physical Therapies for Seniors in Miami-Dade

Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care | 0 comments

03.30.23

We all need to be active to maintain physical function. This is more important as you age, regardless of whether you’re recovering from an illness or injury or participating in a senior rehabilitation program. Physical therapy in seniors helps restore functionality, induce mobility, reduce pain and improve the overall quality of life.

If you’re looking for a professional caregiver in physical therapy in Miami-Dade, Advancare can assist you. Our caregivers are specially trained to care for your emotional, physical, and psychological needs. We will find you a caregiver with your specific needs. You can contact us to learn about our caregivers and how our services can best assist you.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do for Seniors?

Physical therapists are experts in how your body moves. They can help identify and treat movement problems that a senior may have. To do this, PTs offer education, hands-on care, and prescriptions for exercises or activities that you can do at home or with the help of your caregiver or relative.

Your PT will sign a specific treatment plan based on your needs, goals, and challenges. If you have had an injury, your PT may work with you to speed up recovery through movement. This may include assessing your ability to do important activities important to you such as:

• Flexibility,
• Balance
• Posture
• Coordination
• Mobility
• Strength

Common Types of Physical Therapy for Seniors

Physical therapists are trained to provide different types of therapy to help you return to your normal lifestyle. The most common types of physical therapy include:

• Geriatric physical therapy: This therapy has some special emphasis on the needs of the elderly. It helps treat conditions like cancer, osteoporosis, arthritis, balance disorders, and joint replacement. Specialized programs are designed to help reduce pain, increase fitness, and restore mobility.
• Orthopedic physical therapy: This therapy helps treat injuries of the musculoskeletal system. It also allows seniors to recover from orthopedic surgeries.
• Cardiopulmonary physical therapy: If you’ve had a heart attack or have other pulmonary or cardiovascular conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, this therapy can help increase functional independence.
• Neurological physical therapy: This therapy focuses on the body and brain. If you have a neurological condition like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or ALS, a neurological physical therapist can help you to adapt to mobility, visual, muscle loss, and balance.

Potential Consequences of Seniors Skipping Physical Therapy

• Falls: As you age, your muscles lose strength, which impacts balance and posture, leading to falls. Falls can lead to re-hospitalization if you sustain injuries. Physical therapists are trained to identify the reasons causing you to fall or risk factors. They conduct checkups and run a series of tests to assess your balance and strength. They also check your feet and the shoes you prefer to wear regularly and advise accordingly.
• Reduced Long-Term Strength and Endurance: Physical therapy can influence endurance and strength levels during recovery. Lack of physical therapy can cause increased blood pressure, decreased oxygen saturation, and heart rate leading to blood clots, stroke, or heart attacks.
• Increased Pain: When you don’t get proper physical exercise or fail to move due to pain, your joints will stiffen, causing more pain. There are even higher chances that you’ll take longer to heal when you skip physical therapy.

At Advancare, we care about your physical health. Our caregivers will help you through your journey to restoring mobility, flexibility, and independence. Contact us today to learn more about our services in Miami-Dade and how we can improve your overall quality of life.