Learn How Adult Physical Therapy Holistically Treats Age-Related Medical Conditions
As you age, it’s normal to experience changes in strength, flexibility, and balance. Getting older often leads to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, which can make everyday tasks more difficult.
So, what are your options? Is this your new normal?
Many seniors believe that their age limits their treatment options, especially when it comes to joint-related issues. No one wants to spend their golden years recovering from surgery.
Fortunately, there’s one holistic treatment option older adults can explore that’s proven highly effective in treating numerous age-related medical conditions. Adult physical therapy is one of the safest and most effective ways to manage pain, improve movement, and maintain independence.
Keep reading to learn what physical therapy is, who is an ideal candidate for it, and how it benefits older adults managing joint conditions.
Who Does Adult Physical Therapy Benefit?
Physical therapy is rare in that it can holistically treat a broad patient demographic experiencing a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, injuries, and age-related joint conditions.
Adult physical therapy addresses these challenges by combining targeted exercises, hands-on treatment, and education to help you improve flexibility, feel stronger, and move pain-free. Not only does physical therapy improve muscle strength, joint flexibility, balance, and posture, but it also teaches you how to safely perform everyday activities, reducing the risk of falls and other injuries.
Treatment plans are tailored to your specific needs, meaning your physical therapist considers your medical history, mobility level, and personal goals. One of the most valuable aspects of adult physical therapy is that it can help you avoid aggressive treatments like surgery.
For example, physical therapy for knee pain can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve alignment, and increase range of motion, potentially eliminating the need for a knee replacement. By committing to this holistic treatment option, you can avoid all the pain points associated with orthopedic surgery and recovery.
Medical Conditions That Can Be Treated With Adult Physical Therapy
Seniors face a variety of medical conditions that affect their ability to comfortably move and function. Many of these can be managed or improved with a well-structured physical therapy program. Here are some common conditions that respond well to adult physical therapy:
- Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes stiffness, swelling, and pain, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that leads to inflammation, joint damage, and decreased mobility.
- Knee injuries or chronic knee pain can be caused by meniscus tears, ligament injuries, and conditions requiring physical therapy for knee pain.
- Chronic back pain is often caused by degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or posture-related issues, and can be improved through physical therapy for back pain.
- Hip pain can be caused by arthritis, bursitis, or post-surgical recovery.
- Shoulder pain is commonly caused by rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, or arthritis in the shoulder joint.
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or the after-effects of a stroke can limit coordination and muscle control.
- Gait abnormalities are changes in walking patterns due to weakness, injury, or joint stiffness.
Any one of these conditions can impact your ability to live independently and comfortably. By targeting the underlying causes of pain and mobility issues, physical therapy can play a critical role in restoring your long-term quality of life.
The Benefits of Adult Physical Therapy for Older Adults
The benefits of adult physical therapy go far beyond simply treating pain. For many seniors, this holistic treatment can help:
- Increase strength and endurance.
- Improve joint flexibility and range of motion.
- Enhance balance and coordination to reduce fall risks.
- Provide pain relief without relying on medications.
- Promote faster recovery from surgeries or injuries.
- Maintain independence by supporting the ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform other common activities.
For example, an older adult experiencing tendonitis may benefit from physical therapy for knee pain that includes strength training, stretching to improve flexibility, and techniques to reduce inflammation.
Likewise, someone dealing with disc problems can turn to physical therapy for back pain to improve core stability, correct postural issues, and learn safer movement patterns.
How to Get Started With Physical Therapy
If you’re experiencing age-related joint issues that cause pain and limit your mobility, physical therapy is a viable treatment path worth exploring.
Because adult physical therapy requires a referral, start by scheduling an exam with an orthopedic physician. After collecting your medical history and performing a thorough exam, your physician will diagnose the source of your pain and discomfort. From there, the conversation shifts to treatment options, one of which may be professional physical therapy.
To make the process easier and more convenient, contact an orthopedic practice that has an in-house team of physical therapists. This streamlines the referral process and eliminates the need to go to a second location.