As we age, we tend to experience more challenges relating to physical strength, mobility and flexibility. Luckily, incorporating physical therapy into your daily routine can help to alleviate these issues and provide the strength to continue living actively and independently.
There are four main categories of physical therapy – geriatric for increasing fitness and reduce pain, orthopedic for restoring muscle function, cardiopulmonary for improving endurance and neurological for increasing brain strength. When you choose to move into senior living apartments in Houston, TX, you will be able to holistically improve your health and wellness through various amenities and programs, including physical therapy services. Here are the benefits of physical therapy.
Controls Symptoms of Chronic Pain Without Medications
To manage joint pain and conditions such as stroke, osteoporosis or vertigo, doctors often prescribe painkillers which are both expensive and can lead to addiction. However, studies have shown that physical therapy can sometimes be as effective as medications in reducing and managing pain without dangerous side effects.
Physical therapy teaches many therapeutic methods designed to help you reduce discomfort from muscle knots. These programs feature extension exercises that focus on increasing joint strength to offset future symptoms and injuries. Some physical therapists also work towards treating the source of pain with massage therapy, water therapy or low-level laser therapy. Physical therapy is also often prescribed to those recovering from hip or knee replacement surgery as a form of rehabilitation.
Helps Maintain an Independent Lifestyle
Physical therapy in the form of brisk walking or light weight-training exercises helps you to increase your range of motion and endurance while reducing inflammation in your muscles. Exercises that focus on helping you control your balance to reduce the risk of falling are also often incorporated. These then help with maintaining your independence in areas such as household chores and running errands where you would need the strength to lift heavier items or endurance to stand for extended periods. Keeping physically fit also helps to maintain a healthy weight, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life.
Encourages Mental Wellness
Partaking in physical therapy allows you to build up self-confidence and reduce negative thinking that comes with limited mobility and body pain. Physical therapy activities like fitness classes are generally conducted in groups that provide opportunities to socialize and mingle with like-minded individuals, combating loneliness while boosting mood and memory. Furthermore, physical therapy programs are designed with your safety in mind and being active safely helps improve sleep quality.
At our senior living apartments in Houston, TX, residents can attend to their physical therapy needs with our Dimensions Health and Fitness and Celebrations Activities and Events programs. We offer comprehensive fitness and health programs specially designed by our full-time activities director with the intent of keeping you mentally and physically stimulated. Our fitness activities include water aerobics, strength and balance classes, kickboxing and yoga. To learn more about our community, contact us today!
