When you think of physical therapy, you probably think of guided exercise designed to help people recover from injuries. In fact, there’s a good chance that you’ve used it for that exact reason at some point in your life. If you have an injury that causes muscle atrophy or a condition that affects your coordination, physical therapy is an invaluable element of recovery and rehabilitation. However, many people don’t realize that physical therapy can benefit virtually anyone, especially people who are middle-aged and older.
Like most areas of medicine, the field of physical therapy is constantly evolving and updating itself. In recent years, physical therapists have been developing strategies for preventing injuries and helping people stay healthy, mobile, and independent for longer. As a highly trained healthcare professional with expertise in human locomotion and targeted exercise, a physical therapist can work with you to develop an exercise and stretching regimen designed to keep you active and self-reliant.
Starting at around age 40, the aging process starts becoming increasingly complex. The effects of stresses you’ve endured and habits you’ve formed throughout life accumulate, and many people find themselves in unique health situations. In general, the older you are, the more likely you are to have specific areas you need to focus on keeping strong and healthy. Fortunately, a physical therapist can use his or her expertise to assess your areas of need and guide you through exercises specially crafted for you.
Preventative or proactive physical therapy can potentially help seniors avoid injury, physical health decline, and maybe even disability in the long term. It can also help you optimize your strength, flexibility, balance, endurance, posture, and more. Using evidence-based approaches, a physical therapist can teach you how to strengthen the areas of your body that are essential to staying safe and healthy.
Proactive physical therapy is just one of many tools you can use to make your golden years shine. At Village Park Senior Living, we take pride in our efforts to provide seniors with top-notch accommodations and resources—including onsite physical, occupational, and speech therapies. We offer several health, wellness, and social programs specifically geared toward seniors. If you’re interested in learning more about assisted living, independent living, memory care, or any of the many programs & activities we offer, please contact Village Park Senior Living for more information. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for updates and to check back often for new blogs.