When and why should I consider using Physical Therapy? This is an excellent question!
There are many, many reasons older adults utilize physical therapists:
- Pain Management
- Posture
- Injury Repair
- Restore Functioning
- Promote Healing
- Maintain Balance
- Improve Posture
Physical Therapy, also known as physiotherapy is the medical practice of healing, restoring, treating AND preventing illness or disability. It was a first named specialty in 1917 to treat war-related injuries. Today, it is a highly regarded necessity practiced by professionally trained therapists who are decidedly skilled in time-tested techniques and habits that help people heal or maintain function in all walks of life. Physicians order the service and oversee the process provided by the therapists in your home. Many seniors wait until an ailment or injury has occurred before they seek out the services of a licensed Physical Therapist. But, WHY WAIT when you can use a Therapist now to PREVENT an injury, improve your posture or maintain your balance?
Discovery at Home, through services provided by Discovery Village, maintains professional relationships with many Physical Therapists who are ready to help you remain active and agile before illness or injury strikes.
Aside from being trained in rehabilitation, Physical Therapists are also highly skilled in habilitation. Many people know what rehabilitation is – “to restore to good health,” but fewer are familiar with habilitation – “services that help a person learn, keep, or improve skills and functional abilities…” You can ask your physician to order Physical Therapy services so that you can maintain a current level of functioning before it is too late!
When you have a Physical Therapist coming to your home, they will likely use a combination of “passive and active” techniques that provide the benefit required to restore or maintain functioning. Examples of passive techniques might include heat or ice pack treatment, use of a TENS unit or ultrasound. Active therapy techniques might involve stretching, strengthening exercises, yoga, and low-impact aerobic exercises. It is highly likely that your personal therapist, under the watchful eye of your physician can improve your functioning and enable you to remain healthy and active, long before you require this service.
Reach out to us today to let us help you get this service started. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Discovery Village At Melbourne offers a variety of senior living programs to keep seniors healthy and active. Learn about our senior living options and amenities today when you contact us at 321.600.4747.
