Whether due to a health condition, injury, or recovering from surgery, a physical therapy program can help an individual restore mobility, independence, and wellness.
“A physical therapist helps take care of patients in all phases of healing, from initial diagnosis to restorative and preventive stages of recovery. Physical therapy may be a standalone option, or it may support other treatments (medicalnewstoday.com).” This practice focuses on healing through strengthening techniques, using low-impact physical activities that put less stress on the body while an individual is recovering.
Brickmont Assisted Living has partnered with EmpowerMe Wellness to provide personalized, on-site physical therapy across our assisted living communities in Georgia to add value and convenience to our residents' lives. These services create solutions that work and elevate each resident to a higher quality of wellness. Below, we share the benefits physical therapy can add to an individual’s life.
Manage Chronic Pain
The percentage of adults over the age of 65 who experience some form of chronic pain is high, estimated at anywhere between 60-70%.
Conditions like arthritis and osteoarthritis affect many older adults, and pain associated with these conditions can range from mild to discomfort to severe. Arthritis is generally described as the swelling and inflammation that occurs in the joints and can be used in regard to over 100 different types of related conditions. Osteoarthritis refers to the breakdown of cartilage, which serves as a cushion between bones and joints.
Doctors have found that physical therapy is an excellent way to manage chronic pain instead of opioids for issues like arthritis. It can reduce pain over time, improve mood, and help stave away other chronic health problems.
Physical therapy utilizes low-impact muscle-strengthening exercises to help individuals discover techniques to manage pain and discomfort. “Examples of physical therapy techniques used to reduce acute and chronic pain include therapeutic exercises, stretching, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, taping, cold and heat therapy, and massage (healthline.com).”
Reduce Risk of Falls or Accidents
Around 36 million falls are reported by older adults every year, resulting in over three million hospitalizations. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that an older adult falls every second in the United States, making accidental falls the leading cause of injury for this age demographic.
Decreased muscle strength, loss of bone mass, declining flexibility, and even vision and hearing issues can contribute to the risk of a fall. If an older adult is living alone, completing tasks like cleaning or going up and down the stairs can become dangerous, especially if they’re living with one or more of these physical changes.
However, “among older adults, physical activity reduces the risk of falling and injuries from falls. Multicomponent physical activity programs—those that include more than one type of physical activity, such as aerobic, strengthening, and balance—are most successful at reducing falls and injuries (apta.org).”
On the other hand, if a fall does occur, physical therapy can help an individual recover due to an injury or medical condition caused by a fall. For instance, through balance techniques and preventative exercises, individuals can work to strengthen their leg muscles to improve balance and regain confidence.
Maintain a Safe & Active Lifestyle
At Brickmont Assisted Living, the core value behind our on-site physical therapy services is to add value and convenience to our residents’ lives. Our partnership with EmpowerMe Wellness gives residents access to quality therapy services that promote safety and help them continue to lead healthy, active lives.
After a therapy need has been defined, our therapists begin their evaluation, not just to recognize the condition but to get to know the resident and fully understand their needs and goals. This personalized touch allows our therapists to create solutions that work, going above and beyond to promote independence and wellness. These solutions include modalities and hands-on exercises that decrease pain, promote healing, and restore function.
We invite you to contact Brickmont Assisted Living to learn more about our assisted living communities in Georgia and how our services can enhance your life or the life of someone you love.
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