As a person ages, the body naturally changes, which may lead to difficulty in balance, flexibility, strength, and range of movement. Changes such as these can magnify everyday activities and result in falls. Fortunately, aging does not have to mean that the person’s independence will be lost, and their quality of life will be affected.
In Meridian, the physiotherapy clinics offer specialized treatment to ensure that the aging adults are active, mobile, and strong as long as possible. In this blog, we discuss ways in which physical therapy helps support the aging people of Meridian and enables them to make a big difference.
Why Mobility and Strength Decline with Age
Aging affects the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, which can lead to:
- Muscle loss (sarcopenia)
- Joint stiffness and arthritis
- Reduced bone density
- Decreased balance and coordination
- Slower reaction times
What Physical Therapy Can Do for Seniors
Physical therapy has proven to be a non-intrusive manner of enhancing movement, controlling pain, and restoring strength. This is how physical therapy at Meridian Clinics helps aging adults:
Builds and Maintains Strength
Resistance training, even of a low-impact nature, can restore muscular mass and substantially reduce the muscle reduction rate as long as it is related to age. Physical therapists develop programs that are personalized to each individual’s strength and health conditions, using equipment like resistance bands, light weights, or only-body exercises.
Enhances Mobility and Flexibility
Stretching exercises and joint mobilization methods keep the joints limber and mitigate stiffness, which is especially important in conditions such as osteoarthritis or after joint replacements.
Supports Recovery After Surgery or Illness
Physical therapy Meridian is crucial after such an operation as hip or knee replacement or after a stroke to restore mobility. Post-operative therapy helps with:
- Safe movement and transfers
- Walking with assistive devices
- Strengthening surrounding muscles
- Reducing scar tissue stiffness
Manages Chronic Pain
The therapists employ manual therapy, dry needling, ultrasound therapy, as well as specific physical exercises to eliminate chronic pain caused by such conditions as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or backache without overusing medications.
Benefits of Starting Physical Therapy Early
Don’t wait until a fall or injury occurs. Starting physical therapy early can:
- Slow or prevent mobility decline
- Keep seniors independent longer
- Reduce hospital admissions and surgeries
- Improve mental well-being and confidence
- Help seniors continue hobbies and stay socially active
What to Expect During a PT Visit
During the first session at a physical therapy clinic, a licensed physical therapist will perform a complete evaluation, which may include:
- Medical history review
- Balance and gait assessment
- Strength and flexibility testing
- Mobility goals discussion
Then, a customized plan is created, and progress is monitored during every session.
Does Insurance cover Physical Therapy?
Yes. Most Medicare and complementary insurance plans cover physical therapy per doctor’s recommendation. Many Meridian clinics also accept private insurance and offer self-pay options.
Growing old does not require you to stop doing the things you love or stop depending on yourself, either. Meridian physical therapy clinics enable seniors to make important movements and become strong and confident by providing individual therapy that addresses the issues of mobility and strength. If you or a family member finds it hard to walk, balance, or move comfortably, it is time to consider how a physical therapy program can provide relief.
