Which Type Of Physical Therapy Do You Need?

When recovering from an injury, illness, or surgery, a rehabilitation program is essential in restoring mobility, decreasing pain, and improving quality of life. Rehabilitation for the elderly usually comprises of a combination of occupational, physical, and speech therapies designed with the person’s distinct abilities and needs in mind. Physical therapy is especially important in recovery as it boosts mobility, strength, and flexibility. It can help reduce the chances of falling – one of the leading causes of accidents among the elderly. A fall for an older adult can lead to bone fractures among other injuries and through physical therapy, they can learn how to prevent a fall, and maintain their stability, decreasing the chances of re-injuries. Physical therapy can also help provide relief from chronic conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis and thus reducing the need for prescription drugs to manage these pains. Lastly, physical therapy allows an individual to return to their life before the injury as soon as possible, helping them maintain an independent and active lifestyle for as long as possible. Different physical therapists specialised in different types of physical therapies. In order to find the type of physical therapy that is right for you or your loved one, here is a handy guide.

Geriatric Physical Therapy

Geriatric physical therapy focuses on the needs of aging and older adults. In these sessions, the treatment is focused on alleviating conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, cancer, balance disorders, and joint replacements. Geriatric physical therapists will design special programs to help the individual reduce their overall pain, increase their fitness levels and restore their mobility.

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Orthopedic physical therapy sessions are designed to help treat musculoskeletal injuries as well as to help those who have just undergone orthopedic surgeries to have a successful recovery. An orthopedic physical therapist aims to restore function to the bones, joints, tendons, muscles, and ligaments so that the patient will be able to regain their physical mobility and lead an active, independent life. 

Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy

Cardiopulmonary physical therapy is integral for those who have suffered a heart attack or are experiencing other pulmonary or cardiovascular conditions like pulmonary fibrosis or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to help regain their functional independence as well as increase their endurance. 

Neurological Physical Therapy

Neurological physical therapy focuses not only on the body but also the brain, rendering it a little different from other forms of physical therapy. Suitable for those with neurological conditions such as ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or those who have suffered a brain injury, these physical therapy sessions are designed to teach patients to adapt to mobility, visual, muscle, and balance loss impairments so that they can complete day to day tasks more easily. Physical therapists help patients strengthen their mind-body relationships so they can adapt to their impairment and carry out daily functions even with their neurological conditions.

Here at our retirement community, your and your loved one’s health and comfort are our number one priority. This is why we offer different senior living options like Independent Senior Living, Senior Assisted Living, SHINE® Memory Care, and Senior Respite Care for varying needs so that our residents are guaranteed the best care possible.