One Senior Place: Physical therapy can make more of a difference than you realize – Florida Today

Barbara Fradkin | Special to FLORIDA TODAY

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Q: My doctor prescribed physical therapy for me. Does it really make a difference?

A: Everyone is familiar with the need for physical therapy after a sports injury or some types of surgery.

But regular physical therapy sessions prescribed by your doctor can also have a positive impact on your ability to age well.

The goal of physical therapy is to help restore and improve functionality, reduce painand increase mobility for endurance, staminaand balance.

Balance is extremely important as we age. Falls are more prevalent in older adults and can have negative life-changing effects or even be fatal.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four seniors fall each year in the United States.

That's 30 million falls each year, resulting in about 30,000 deaths. Three million older adults are treated annually for a fall injury and can benefit from physical therapy.

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The American Physical Therapy Association is shouting from the rooftops that physical therapy is a safe, effective alternative route to medication such as opioids for treatment of chronic pain conditions.

It plays a role in preventative care, rehabilitation and treatment for people with chronic conditions, illnessesor injuries.

Orthopedic issues (hips, knees, shoulders, back) also benefit from physical therapy. Some chronic conditions that can benefit include neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular dysfunction (vertigo)and traumatic brain injuries.

All programs are individualized for each person.

Physical therapists that work with Parkinsons patients undergo training PWR (Parkinson Wellness Recovery) certification.

This program is specifically designed to use exercise for symptom management, targeting four skills that impact everyday mobility (tall posture, weight shifting, trunk mobility and stepping).

Physical therapists are a wonder. Two of my favorite therapists from Aquatic Health and Rehabilitation in Viera explain what motivates them.

The human body is wondrous and complex.As a physical therapist, I work with patients who are having difficulty performing daily tasks and help them to improve and get back to where they want to be," saidAdam Rhoads, MSPT, CLT. "This is not only great for the patient, but incredibly rewarding for me."

Added Nicole Knights PT, DPT: "I love being a physical therapist. Every day I get to help people with all kinds of diagnoses achieve their goals and get results that change their lives.

For more information on what physical therapy can do for you, call me at 321-751-6771. Or come in for a free 30-minute consultation and we'll chat about your long term goals.

One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Questions for this column are answered by professionals in nursing, social work, care management and in-home care. Send questions to askOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.

Barbara Fradkin is a Social Worker, Certified Care Manager and the Director of One Senior Place, Viera.

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One Senior Place: Physical therapy can make more of a difference than you realize - Florida Today