Elderly patients recovering from orthopedic surgery can greatly benefit from physical therapy. Studies show that physical therapy helps with pain management and speeds up the healing process and helps with restoring strength, function, balance, and coordination.
If you are recovering from an illness or injury of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, or ligaments, a physical therapist trained in orthopedic physical therapy can help you return to normal life more quickly than without PT.
Physical Therapy for Elderly Orthopedic Patients
Physical therapy builds strength, improves balance, and restores function and flexibility to the joints. It is especially beneficial for seniors for it teaches them how to avoid falls, which is the number one cause of injury in the elderly. A physical therapy regimen also alleviates pain experienced by elderly orthopedic patients and lessens the need for prescription pain relievers.
Physical therapy for the elderly includes walking and stretching exercises, massages, hot and cold compress, and the application of electrical stimulation. The goal of physical therapy for elderly orthopedic patients is to help them achieve mobility so that they may be able to move independently. Under the guidance of a physical therapist, an elderly orthopedic patient learns the best physical rehabilitation exercises for their condition. In addition, a physical therapist can provide information and guidance about the best assistive devices. This allows older patients to know what is safe and unsafe and learn how to configure their homes for greater accessibility, to avoid injury and accidents, and for a faster recovery.
After regular visits to a physical therapy facility, elderly orthopedic patients will be able to apply PT techniques at home, which can provide a sense of independence and control.
Finding a Physical Therapist for Elderly Orthopedic Patients
Not all physical therapists are experienced in the rehabilitation of elderly orthopedic patients. Not all are trained in physical therapy specific to your orthopedic condition. A large orthopedic practice is more likely to have a highly trained team of physical therapists who offer physical rehabilitation services. Ultimately, you will want to choose a highly trained physical therapist attuned to your specific orthopedic needs.
Physical Therapist in Central Maryland
Our team of licensed physical therapists at Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland understands the unique physical therapy needs of each patient. It is why we offer individualized treatment plans to help patients, such as the elderly, achieve mobility and independent functioning.
For your physical therapy needs, feel free to visit us at any of our state-of-the-art physical therapy facilities in Catonsville, Columbia, Eldersburg, and Ellicott City, Maryland.
Our physical therapy services include:
- Core stability training
- Gait and balance training
- Joint mobilization
- Myofascial release
- Neuromuscular reeducation
- Postural education
- Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation
- Manual and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)
- Therapeutic exercise
- Vasopneumatic compression
To learn more about physical therapy for elderly orthopedic patients, call Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland at (410) 644-1880 or request an appointment online.
