Health

Physical Therapy Vital for Older Adults

Physical therapy is often a key to regaining mobility and strength after an injury or certain types of surgery. And for older adults, the benefits of physical therapy can even extend beyond rehabilitation – helping to improve overall physical function or regain strength after a long hospitalization.

“After an injury or orthopedic surgery, physical therapy is even more important for older adults than younger people because muscles lose strength as we age, and reflexes aren’t as sharp,” explains UAB physical therapist Claire Peel, PhD. “But physical therapy can also be an important way to help older adults improve balance and physical function so they can perform their day-to-day activities more easily.”

Value of PT After Injuries, Orthopedic Surgeries

After an injury — such as a sprained ankle — physical therapy can help you regain mobility and flexibility. “It’s very important for older adults to engage in physical therapy rehabilitation to get back to the best possible function,” says Dr. Peel. “Physical therapy can also help to lower the risk of reinjury, which is often a problem for older adults.”

Physical therapy is a key part of rehabilitation after common orthopedic surgeries — such as hip or knee replacements, shoulder surgeries, and wrist fractures. “When young adults are immobilized in a cast or splint after orthopedic surgery, they tend to bounce back quickly,” observes Dr. Peel. “It takes longer for older adults, which is the reason physical therapy is an important part of recovery.”

Helping Improve Overall Physical Function

You may not realize that physical therapy can also help older adults improve declining physical function — a common problem that can contribute to depression and poor health. “Older adults or their family members may notice they’re having difficulty walking and maintaining balance, or that they’re having problems getting in and out of bed. All of these issues may be improved with physical therapy,” Dr. Peel explains. “Also, many older adults need guidance about how to use canes or walkers correctly, and this is another important role of physical therapy.”

While physical therapy has a wide range of uses, many older adults who could benefit may not be receiving therapy. “Often, older adults or their families don’t think to ask about physical therapy, and physician referrals are required in Alabama,” says Dr. Peel. “In general, geriatricians are most likely to recognize the value of physical therapy for older adults. But if your physician doesn’t recommend physical therapy — especially after an injury or hospitalization — you should definitely ask.”

The general approach for physical therapy is to teach older adults exercises they can continue to do in the home. Initially, physical therapy may be performed two to three times a week; then, patients are typically reevaluated after several months.

“Ideally, physical therapy is a partnership between the therapist and patient,” observes Dr. Peel. “The ultimate responsibility rests with the patient to continue performing the exercises consistently at home. Our goal is for older adults to improve mobility and strength and to remain physically active for as long as possible.”