Common Physical Rehabilitation Therapies for Seniors
November 29, 2023 | Wellness
As we get older, life can throw some challenges our way that make it harder to stay active and do the things we love to do. Exercising, participating in outdoor activities or even performing simple household chores can sometimes result in injury, even if you’re doing your best to prevent it. You could be playing tennis one day, and when you get home, you’ve suddenly got pain in your elbow that lasts for weeks. Or maybe you were raking your garden when you realized your back was giving you trouble.
At CC Young, we are committed to providing a wide range of physical rehabilitation therapies that can strengthen and offer you relief. Our comprehensive continuum of care includes outpatient, inpatient and home healthcare. Whether you recently came home from the hospital following a surgery, or you’re dealing with pesky back or knee pain, our experienced teams of occupational, speech and physical therapists are here to help you get back on track. Our goal is to provide seniors the therapeutic support they need to regain their independence and transition back to daily living activities smoothly.
Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab Defined
- Inpatient – The physical, occupational, or speech therapy care you receive while in the hospital to prepare you to transition home.
- Outpatient – When recovering from an injury or illness, you may need additional therapy when you leave the hospital. This may take place in your home or a rehab facility, with the goal being to help you heal and return to daily living activities.
Why is Rehab Important?
Sometimes people try to avoid physical therapy and rehab, believing they will be fine without it. It’s important to follow the instructions of your doctor or medical team and get the care your body needs early on. Physical and occupational therapists have a toolbox of ways to get you back to full functionality. Skipping this step could result in permanent damage to your joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and possibly your overall posture, resulting in more pain and suffering in the long run.
Common Physical Rehabilitation Therapies for Seniors
Working with team of rehab experts who specialize in therapies for seniors can give you a better chance to prolong your longevity and comfort levels over time. Here are some therapy options you can expect in a community like CC Young.
Walking
Sometimes simple movement is the best therapy. This is especially true if your range of motion is limited. The gentle, natural movement of walking is one of the best ways to condition your body to perform again, whether you’ve been through physical trauma or just overdid it in your backyard.
Stretching
If you have a muscle spasm or even just tight muscles, stretching is a great way to alleviate pain and stiffness. Our physical rehabilitation therapies include guided stretching sessions to help you loosen up sore muscles without injuring them further.
Resistance Training
Another therapy that can help you regain your former strength is resistance training. Using weights and resistance bands, our therapists will guide you through the best exercises to help relieve your pain and rejuvenate your muscles so you can be active again.
Aquatic Therapy
Some exercises are best performed in the water. Water takes pressure off your body, removing the aggravation of gravity from aching joints and muscles, and warmth amplifies that effect.
At CC Young, we have an aquatic therapy program that is designed for the needs of older adults. Our pool is at a therapeutic temperature, and our deep well allows patients to float and stretch their joints to give relief. With our support and classes, you can do exercises in the pool that you can’t do on land, and you can also avoid the risk of falls and injuries more easily while in the water. Often, people come to the pool in pain, and through aquatics therapy, they find relief more quickly than expected.
Strength Training
You might be tempted to shy away from lifting weights when injured, but with the help of our highly skilled therapists, strength training can remain a part of your routine. This therapy will help your muscles maintain or regain their strength as you heal.
Balance and Coordination Exercises
Some injuries, especially leg, ankle and foot injuries, can have a negative effect on your balance and coordination. Our therapists will use all the tools and techniques at their disposal to help you regain balance and coordination, while helping to prevent falls and further injuries.
Flexibility and Range of Motion Exercises
Pain and injury can limit your range of motion, making everyday tasks difficult. At CC Young, we have a wide variety of techniques that can help you regain your flexibility.
Cardiovascular Exercises
Believe it or not, getting your blood pumping is a crucial component of the healing process, as well. We integrate cardio exercises into our physical rehabilitation program to facilitate whole body wellness.
Functional Training
This step is a turning point in your physical therapy journey. Functional training allows you to apply the techniques and tools you’ve learned in other therapies to real-life situations. By practicing activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, navigating the kitchen and moving around the house, we can assist you with everyday tasks. Functional training takes concepts like strength, range of motion, balance, and pain management, and translates them into practical movements that you can practice at home.
At CC Young, our Rehabilitation and Aquatics Center offers physical, occupational and speech therapies that allow you to regain the strength and independence you need to return home safely and with confidence. The mock kitchen, laundry room, restroom, and car allow patients to practice daily living activities. Additionally, the outdoor Sensory Garden simulates a community environment, complete with grass, curbs and yard for training purposes.
For more than 97 years, CC Young has been of service to seniors who need comprehensive support. Our five-star rated community is comprised of caring senior rehabilitation experts, who can help you or a loved one gain the strength and confidence needed to transition back to normal life.
Want to learn more information about physical rehabilitation therapy for seniors? Contact us and get in touch with a CC Young rehabilitation expert today.
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