Advancing age brings many challenges, particularly those related to strength, mobility and endurance. But who says you have to accept every physical limitation as an inevitable part of the aging process?
Geriatric physical therapy is designed around the needs and abilities of older adults. Whether you want to navigate your home more easily, be able to chase your grandkids around, or just continue with your favorite hobbies, a licensed physical therapist in Michigan can create a treatment plan that helps you maintain function and independence as you age.
However, there are a few misconceptions out there that may be keeping you from exploring your options. Here are five common myths we are here to clear up.
Myth #1: Physical Therapy is Only For People Recovering From Surgery
Fact: You don’t need to have surgery, or even an injury, to benefit from physical therapy.
There are many reasons why older adults seek physical therapy, such as:
- Reduced strength or endurance
- Balance concerns
- Joint stiffness
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
- Trouble performing everyday activities
- Changes in mobility
Your therapist will evaluate your challenges and come up with a program based on your needs and goals.
Myth #2: Exercise Will Make My Arthritis Worse
Fact: Just because you have arthritis doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid physical activity.
Yes, you may have joints that feel stiff or uncomfortable, but with the appropriate exercises, you can not only boost joint mobility but strengthen the muscles that support those joints as well.
During an evaluation, your therapist will determine which movements are appropriate and then adjust your program based on how your body responds.
Myth #3: It’s Too Late to Rebuild Strength After 70
Fact: It’s never too late to work on your muscles, and just because your last birthday cake had 70+ candles on it doesn’t mean you can’t start now.
With thoughtfully-designed resistance and strengthening exercises, you can work on building stronger muscles that make everyday activities such as climbing stairs and carrying bags of groceries easier.
Myth #4: Physical Therapy Will Be Too Strenuous
Fact: Geriatric physical therapy in Michigan meets you where you are, focusing on functional strength that you need for YOUR everyday life.
You’re not expected to immediately perform difficult exercises at your first visit. Your Michigan therapist will first assess your current abilities, and consider your medical history, limitations and goals before creating a custom treatment plan.
That plan may include:
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Gentle mobility exercises
- Strengthening activities
- Practice with everyday movements
- Walking and endurance work
As your abilities change, these exercises can be modified to account for those changes.
Myth #5: If I’m Not in Pain, I Don’t Need Physical Therapy
Fact: Pain isn’t the only reason to schedule physical therapy.
Whether you don’t feel as steady as you once did on your afternoon walks or you stopped participating in your favorite hobby because it’s now physically more difficult, these changes impact your independence and quality of life. It’s not always about pain. Look to physical therapy to improve movement, strength, balance, endurance and mobility.
Keep Doing What Matters to You
Geriatric physical therapy helps you make the most of your abilities and work toward the activities that you love. Whether that involves gardening, golfing, or playing with the grandkids, physical therapy can help you move with greater confidence.
Contact Specialty Physical Therapy
If strength or mobility challenges have made everyday activities more difficult, contact us today at one of our four convenient locations to learn more about individualized geriatric physical therapy.