There are so many physical therapy benefits including things like reduced pain as well as improved balance and mobility. We only get one body in this life so you might as well take care of the one you got, no matter your age or injuries.

Seniors should regularly attend physical therapy to reap the full benefits. It’s not uncommon for transportation, or lack thereof, to complicate things. That’s where we come in handy, offering the most reliable non-emergency medical transportation services in Melbourne and beyond.

5 Benefits of Physical Therapy

#1. Physical Therapy Can Reduce Pain

Regular physical therapy ensures you are getting a healthy amount and type of exercise dependent on your particular case. As a result this leads to reduced pain. There are numerous exercises used in physical therapy sessions to reduce pain, such as…

Strengthening exercises help seniors build strength to support their injury and other areas of the body. If one area of the body is weak it’ll compensate by overusing another part. This can cause balance issues and ultimately injury. It is important to strengthen the whole body to help the injury heal as well as prevent future injuries.

Some examples of strengthening exercises include:

  • Resistance bands
  • Lunges
  • Squats
  • Push-ups
  • Crunches
  • Leg lifts

Low-impact aerobics training is another form of exercise that can help reduce pain. The goal of low-impact aerobic exercises is to get your heart rate up. It’s important to do so in a way that is safe and easy on your joints.

Two of the most common forms of low-impact aerobics training for seniors:

  • Power walking
  • Stationary bike

Pain relief exercises can be incorporated into physical therapy sessions when focusing on localized pain. It may take time to see the full benefits but the goal is to create a stronger and more flexible version of you.

Stretching is an essential part of physical therapy pain relief that can be done during your session and even at home. The most important thing to avoid is overstretching your body. It is also important to make sure the body is properly warmed up prior to stretching. Regular physical therapy sessions ensure the greatest benefits while keeping you safe.

#2. Regular Physical Therapy Can Help You Avoid Surgery

Even the simplest surgical procedures put you at risk and require downtime. Regularly attending physical therapy might be able to help you avoid surgery.

Even if you experience improvement you may still need surgery. Surgery often requires seniors to be immobile for a while, which can cause their health and strength to decrease. This is when physical therapy becomes so important, as it sets the foundation for a faster recovery.

3. Regular Physical Therapy Improves  Balance & Helps Prevent Falls

Physical therapy builds strength while mimicking day-to-day situations that help seniors more safely navigate through life. The stronger you are, the better balanced you’ll be on your feet. Physical therapy provides seniors with a safe space to challenge their balance and become more aware of their abilities. Plus, physical therapists are trained on the best solutions to restore proper functioning of the vestibular system.

4. Physical Therapy Improves Mobility

One of the most important factors to living a long healthy life is the ability to move freely and without pain. Even if movement is slow or requires assistance from walkers or canes, the freedom to go where you want should never be taken for granted. If problems with mobility already exist your physical therapist can help find the best device to assist you, help with exercises, or asses for orthotic prescription.

5. Physical Therapy Can Help You Feel Younger & Happier

The mind is the strongest part of the body and maintaining positive mental strength is often the only way to overcome pain and other side effects of ageing. Physical therapy gives seniors challenges that strengthen their minds and bodies while giving them goals to focus on. Regular interactions with the same physical therapist provides socialization for seniors as well, which leads to increased happiness and overall wellbeing.

In Need of Melbourne Non-Emergency Medical Transportation To Your Physical Therapy Appointments?

The more regularly you attend physical therapy, the more benefits you’ll see. You never have to miss another physical therapy appointment again. Your friends at Stellar Transportation are here to get you wherever you need to go! Contact us today for a free quote for local or long distance non-emergency medical transportation.