Geriatric physical therapy is a proven means for older adults from every level of physical ability to
enjoy a higher quality of life.
Most people are familiar with physical therapy as a form of treatment to pursue after an accident, or in relation to a condition such as a stroke, however physical therapy is also useful for many additional reasons, such as improving balance, strength, mobility, and overall fitness. All of these are factors which older adults may benefit from, contributing to their physical abilities andhelping to maintain their independence for longer periods of time. Falling is one of the greatest risks older adults face, often leading to injuries such as hip fractures which then lead to a downward health spiral. In fact, falling is such an issue among older adults that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that one-third of all people over the age of sixty-five fall every year, making falls the leading cause of injury among people from this age group.
Hundreds of thousands of older adults experience falls and resulting hip fractures every year, with resulting hospitalizations. Most of the people who experience a hip fracture stay in the hospital for a minimum of one week, with approximately twenty-percent dying within a year due to the injury. Unfortunately, a number of the remaining eighty-percent do not return to their previous level of functioning. Physical therapy can help older adults to remain strong and independent, as well as productive.
Geriatric Physical Therapy consists of exercise that go beyond what the person does while performing their daily tasks. Exercise is designed to maintain and improve a person’s coordination, muscle strength, flexibility, physical endurance, and their balance. Physical therapy treatment for the geriatric population also includes patient education. Education is important to the success and effectiveness of. Physical therapists teach peopleways of performing daily tasks safelyand how to use assistive devices, as well as how to protect themselves from further injury.
enjoy a higher quality of life.
Most people are familiar with physical therapy as a form of treatment to pursue after an accident, or in relation to a condition such as a stroke, however physical therapy is also useful for many additional reasons, such as improving balance, strength, mobility, and overall fitness. All of these are factors which older adults may benefit from, contributing to their physical abilities andhelping to maintain their independence for longer periods of time. Falling is one of the greatest risks older adults face, often leading to injuries such as hip fractures which then lead to a downward health spiral. In fact, falling is such an issue among older adults that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that one-third of all people over the age of sixty-five fall every year, making falls the leading cause of injury among people from this age group.
Hundreds of thousands of older adults experience falls and resulting hip fractures every year, with resulting hospitalizations. Most of the people who experience a hip fracture stay in the hospital for a minimum of one week, with approximately twenty-percent dying within a year due to the injury. Unfortunately, a number of the remaining eighty-percent do not return to their previous level of functioning. Physical therapy can help older adults to remain strong and independent, as well as productive.
Geriatric Physical Therapy consists of exercise that go beyond what the person does while performing their daily tasks. Exercise is designed to maintain and improve a person’s coordination, muscle strength, flexibility, physical endurance, and their balance. Physical therapy treatment for the geriatric population also includes patient education. Education is important to the success and effectiveness of. Physical therapists teach peopleways of performing daily tasks safelyand how to use assistive devices, as well as how to protect themselves from further injury.