According to an article published by the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, 50% of adults 65 years of age and older said they experienced pain in the previous 30 days. Pain in older adults can be caused by a myriad of factors, such as arthritis and other joint conditions, diabetes, heart disease, neuropathy, and the natural aging process in joints and muscles. Falls, injuries and surgeries can also be sources of pain. Although it is difficult to avoid pain altogether, physical therapy can help seniors in Virginia reduce and manage pain.
How Does Physical Therapy Help Manage Pain?
Chronic pain can have a significant impact on your physical and mental well-being. It can limit your ability to perform daily activities, increase fall risk, lead to social isolation, cause fatigue, depression and poor sleep. The good news is that physical therapy can help reduce and manage pain and improve your overall quality of life.
According to an article published by DeRosa Physical Therapy, physical therapists have many techniques to help relieve pain. After performing a thorough evaluation to pinpoint the source of pain and assess your mobility, function and limitations, they will create a treatment plan that could include the following:
Manual Therapy
Physical therapists use massage, joint mobilization and myofascial release techniques to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension and stiffness.
Therapeutic Exercise
A personalized therapeutic exercise program focuses on strengthening specific muscle groups to better support joints and improving balance and range of motion.
Functional Training
Physical therapists can design exercises to help you perform daily activities with greater ease and confidence so you can regain independence and the ability to participate in activities you enjoy.
Education and Self-Management
Physical therapists not only help you while you are in therapy, they can also teach you to manage your pain more effectively in the future by using relaxation techniques, pacing and proper body mechanics that can prevent future injuries.
Benefits Beyond Pain Relief for Seniors in Virginia
According to an article published by the Southern California Health Institute, there are many additional benefits of physical therapy for older adults beyond pain management, such as:
- Improving balance and mobility to reduce fall risk
- Preventing further complications from injuries or chronic conditions
- Aiding recovery after surgery
- Improving cardiovascular health
- Boosting mental health
- Increasing independence by improving functional abilities
- Enhancing overall physical fitness and quality of life
If you’re experiencing pain, physical therapy can help you reduce and manage it more effectively now and into the future.
Personalized Physical Therapy is at Your Doorstep at Trio Healthcare
At Trio Healthcare, our physical therapy team can provide the personalized care you need to alleviate and manage pain, improve function, reduce risks for future falls and injuries and boost your overall health and well-being. Contact us today to learn more.