Physical therapy can play an important role in healthy aging by helping older adults maintain the physical strength necessary for independence.
In traditional terms, physical therapy is a resource that individuals pursue after an injury, medical procedure, or illness to assist with rehabilitation.
The field of physical therapy for older adults views physical therapy as a valuable preventive resource for helping older adults maintain the physical characteristics necessary to perform activities of daily living (ADL).
Additionally, physical therapists will work with older people who have age-related health conditions that may affect their mobility.
This article discusses physical therapy for older adults and how it can benefit them.
Physical therapy for older adults is a specialty within the profession. In this field, physical therapists focus their practices on addressing the unique concerns of older adults.
They understand how to manage the physical effects of chronic conditions such as:
- arthritis
- osteoporosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- diabetes
- Alzheimer’s disease
- obesity
They may also work with people to help counteract certain physical effects of aging, such as progressive muscle loss and balance issues.
As people age, their bodies experience changes, such as a loss of strength and mobility, that can make once-mundane tasks feel more challenging to complete. These tasks include bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, and transferring from a bed to a chair.
Being able to safely and efficiently perform these tasks is essential for maintaining independence and a high quality of life.
Physical therapy can help certain older adults retain the strength, flexibility, and endurance necessary to continue performing these ADLs.
Depending on their personal needs, physical therapy can offer various potential benefits for older adults. These include the following.
Preventing falls
Falls are a significant source of injury and disability among older adults, and they can have life-altering consequences.
Physical therapists can help prevent falls by assessing a person’s fall risk and building a personalized plan that addresses weaknesses in areas like strength, balance, coordination, and endurance.
Treating effects of chronic conditions
Certain chronic conditions can affect mobility due to factors such as weakness, pain, and limited range of motion. Physical therapists can educate individuals on the effects of their condition and help them perform exercises to counteract their mobility deficits.
One example of a chronic condition is osteoarthritis (OA). This condition involves joint inflammation that causes pain and stiffness and can significantly limit a person’s activities. Physical therapists can work with people who have OA to restore movement and joint function through:
- observation of which motions are challenging
- creation of a personalized plan to address challenges
- hands-on therapy
- instruction on how to reduce strain on joints
- instruction on how to perform exercises independently
Assisting with inpatient rehabilitation
Physical therapy is not only an outpatient service. Physical therapists work in inpatient environments with individuals who are hospitalized or admitted to skilled nursing facilities.
Providing educational resources
In addition to providing movement and exercise-focused services, physical therapists for older adults can offer a range of advice related to healthy aging that they can tailor to each individual’s needs.
They can offer information on nutrition, aerobic exercise, coping with mobility challenges, building social connections, and more.
They can also offer information on the risks older adults face, such as falls, and offer advice on how to adapt the home environment for safety.
Helping with rehabilitation
Physical therapists can also help individuals with preparation for and rehabilitation after surgical procedures such as:
- fracture repair
- knee replacement
- shoulder replacement
- hip replacement
You don’t need to wait until you experience a fall or undergo a medical procedure to speak with a physical therapist.
If you notice yourself experiencing balance issues or find it difficult to perform daily tasks like getting up from sitting or entering and exiting the shower, consider reaching out to a physical therapist to discuss your situation. They may be able to work with you to build up your strength and balance, along with your confidence.
If you’re not sure whether you’re a good candidate for physical therapy, you may wish to speak with your doctor about any challenges you’re experiencing.
If your doctor considers physical therapy medically necessary for your treatment, Medicare will cover the services you receive.
However, you’ll need to visit a qualified, Medicare-approved physical therapy professional to receive coverage.
Medicare Part A will cover Inpatient physical therapy services, whereas Part B will cover outpatient services. For Part B, you’ll generally pay 20% of the cost of the services you receive, after you’ve reached your deductible. If you have Medicare supplement insurance or secondary insurance, you may receive coverage for the Part B coinsurance.
Physical therapy can be an important preventive resource for older adults. It can help buffer some of the natural physical effects of aging, such as reduced muscle strength and flexibility that may affect a person’s mobility and independence.
It can also assist in treating chronic conditions, such as osteoporosis and arthritis, and help with rehabilitation after surgery or injury.
Physical therapists for older adults are specialists in working with older adults.