Staying active as you age is essential for your physical and mental well-being, even if that activity comes in the form of small exercises done daily at home. Physical therapy has been proven to benefit seniors by improving their range of motion, strengthening muscles, and reducing pain. This blog post covers the basics of how physical therapy can be made simple with effortless exercises you can do from your own home!
Benefits of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help seniors in so many ways. One primary benefit of physical therapy is improved range of motion. It can also strengthen muscles and reduce the risk of falls by keeping your body agile and balanced while reducing pain. Regularly stretching the muscles helps maintain flexibility while strengthening exercises can prevent muscle loss associated with aging - making it both a preventative and beneficial action for elderly clients.
Types of Physical Therapy Exercises
Stretching and strengthening exercises are two of the key components in physical therapy, as they target muscles the most. Stretches can help improve joint flexibility and range of motion while strength training helps develop the muscles. Balance exercises, such as leg lifts or heel raises, help build stability and coordination while cardio-based activities involve cardiovascular, and aerobic activity which increases heart rate over a set amount of time.
You should incorporate all four of these types into your home exercise plan to get the most benefit. A simple walk around your block is a great option for cardio while lifting light weights works for strength training. Don't have weights? Lift your water bottle instead. Anything works.
Tips for Doing Physical Therapy at Home
Having a plan is key to making physical therapy successful. This means having a clear understanding of what exercises are appropriate and the principles behind them. If you're unsure, it never hurts to speak to your doctor or physical therapist about form and frequency prior to starting your home program.
Investing in suitable equipment will help make therapy much more enjoyable. Lightweight hand weights or resistance bands can easily be used for strength training and maintaining balance. Moreover, wearing comfortable clothing is important for any exercise routine as uncomfortable material may restrict movement, leaving you wanting to stop before even beginning. Additionally, using proper form when executing an exercise move is paramount in preventing injury and tension in the muscles while increasing their effectiveness.
Make sure you commit yourself to incorporate these exercises into your daily routine. This can be done by setting alarms on your phone or writing down scheduled workout times on paper so there's no forgetting!
Connect With Senior Helpers Greater OKC
Are you living in Oklahoma City, Edmond or Norman and looking for assistance with physical therapy services? Senior Helpers Greater OKC provides top-notch physical therapy services that are tailored to meet individual needs and medical requirements. Our experienced physical therapists will come to your home to create a personalized plan of action utilizing the latest techniques for pain relief, muscle strengthening, balance training, cardio exercises, and more! With our dedicated in-home support staff here in the Greater OKC area, we make senior care effortless. Simply contact us today to get started.