There are a variety of reasons your elderly loved one might need physical therapy at some point, and each reason potentially requires a unique type of therapy. Here are five types of physical therapy and how they can help.
1. Orthopedic
The most common form of physical therapy for seniors, orthopedic physical therapy uses exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques to restore mobility and alleviate pain in muscles, bones, and soft tissue. Your loved one may benefit from this type of therapy after an injury or surgery, and it can also combat the effects of chronic conditions such as herniated discs.
2. Wound Care
This type of therapy is designed to promote healing by ensuring the affected area gets adequate blood and oxygen. Wound care physical therapists use both manual techniques and electrical stimulation to increase circulation and healing, and they may also clean and debride wounds and use compression techniques. Candidates for this form of therapy include diabetics with chronic wounds and those who have wounds that aren’t healing properly following surgery.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Richmond seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
3. Cardiopulmonary
Any senior who has had a heart attack or any other serious heart-related event should consider seeing a cardiopulmonary physical therapist. The therapist can work with your loved one to strengthen the heart muscle and boost endurance through exercise, which can help your loved one maintain a higher quality of life following surgery and allow him or her to remain as independent as possible.
Aging adults who need help following exercise programs designed by their physical therapists should consider professional home care services. Home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
4. Geriatric
This form of physical therapy specializes in conditions common in the elderly. The treatment routine may vary depending on your loved one’s specific needs. Geriatric physical therapy can help your loved one regain mobility lost to arthritis, increase bone and muscle strength to combat osteoporosis, and recover following joint replacement surgery. This type of therapy can help your loved one live a more active life with less pain.
5. Neurological
Neurological physical therapy focuses on the brain and body rather than the bones and muscles. The goal is to help limbs respond to brain signals, strengthen atrophied muscles, and undo paralysis. Candidates for this type of therapy include seniors with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease as well as those who are recovering from strokes or traumatic brain injuries.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of senior home care. Richmond Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services. To learn more about our highly trained caregivers, call us at (804) 207-4746.