Top Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

resident on exercise bike receiving guidance from a rehabilitation specialist

Have you ever considered the benefits of physical therapy? There’s a lot you should know about the benefits of physical therapy, especially for older adults.

Usually, physical therapy is recommended to help seniors maintain or regain their independence by improving mobility, muscle strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. Physical therapy is beneficial for older adults who:

Have chronic pain
Are recovering from an illness
Have suffered a recent injury or fall
Are recovering from surgery

While individual goals of physical therapy can vary, in general, physical therapy programs help restore functionality, manage pain and grow independence. The benefits of physical therapy for seniors are numerous and should be considered when deciding what’s best for the individual in question.

Five Key Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors

Physical therapists are highly trained individuals who can help evaluate and treat people of all ages through targeted techniques. Through individualized treatment plans, older adults can reap the benefits of physical therapy and start to reach their long-term goals for physical health and wellness.

Here are five key benefits to consider:

1. Managing Chronic Pain

Since older adults commonly deal with arthritis pain, osteoporosis and knee pain, it’s essential to find healthy solutions. Physical therapy can help preserve strength and use of joints to help reduce future symptoms. Physical therapists can help individuals mitigate daily discomfort and better manage pain through therapeutic methods.

2. Reducing the Risk of Future Injury

As the No. 1 cause of accidents ending in broken bones, sprains or fractures, falls pose a significant risk for older adults. A physical therapist can help before or after a fall to help build stability, balance and range of motion designed to help prevent future accidents.

3. Promoting Greater Independence

For many older adults, physical therapy can help them move around with more ease and confidence. Through specific exercises, seniors can learn to prepare meals, do laundry, clean their house and improve their overall quality of life.

4. Reduce Recovery Time

Returning directly home after an injury, surgery or fall can be challenging, and physical therapy can help speed up recovery time, ease pain and reduce swelling and inflammation. Physical therapy aims to help the body heal faster so individuals can get back to the life they loved as soon as possible.

5. Lessening Dependence on Prescription Drugs

While it’s common for older adults to use prescription medications to help manage long-term pain, physical therapy can sometimes be just as effective. Especially for lower back pain, older adults can use physical therapy as a supplement or replacement for prescription drugs.

Where to Find High-Quality Physical Therapy in Bedford, Texas

At Parkwood, we make it easy for individuals to recover the strengths, skills and confidence needed to return home after an injury or surgery. Our senior rehabilitation services are provided by therapists, a nursing team and an advisory physician, to ensure individuals get the highest level of care possible.

Our senior rehabilitation program provides physical, speech and occupational therapy by some of the most outstanding therapists in Tarrant County. Learn more about how our staff can provide our residents with specialized senior rehabilitation services when they need them.