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Understanding Physical Therapy: How It Can Help Those with Alzheimer's

January 30, 2023
Physical therapy can be a powerful tool for those dealing with Alzheimer's and other age-related ailments. Unfortunately, many seniors don't know the full range of benefits physical therapy provides to both their physical health and overall mental well-being in treating this condition. Thankfully, there is now a plethora of resources available that can help patients and family members alike understand how physical therapy can positively impact an individual living with Alzheimer's disease. In this post, we'll explore how physical therapists can improve the quality of life for those affected by dementia or memory loss. We will also look at some of the treatments utilized by specialized care teams that incorporate physical therapies into their treatment plans to give loved ones as much functionality as possible during all stages of the illness.


Introduction to Physical Therapy and Its Benefits

Physical therapy is an important tool for seniors, especially those with Alzheimer's disease. It can help seniors improve their balance and mobility, reduce their risk of injuries from falls, build strength and endurance, and increase overall flexibility. 

Physical therapy interventions may include exercises that focus on: 
  • Balance and coordination
  • Gait training to improve walking ability 
  • Functional activities to maintain daily living skills
  • Posture control exercises to improve body alignment
  • Joint range-of-motion activities to keep joints flexible and reduce pain
  • Aquatic exercise that improves cardiovascular health 
The physical therapist is also involved in helping the patient manage chronic diseases such as heart failure or diabetes. In addition, physical therapy may help patients cope with changes in behavior due to Alzheimer's disease. It can provide emotional support as well as stress relief techniques that can help the patient remain comfortable and calm even during difficult situations. With appropriate physical therapy interventions tailored to the individual's needs and abilities, seniors with Alzheimer's disease can benefit greatly from improved mobility and quality of life.


What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is a type of healthcare profession focused on helping individuals improve their mobility and quality of life through the use of therapeutic exercise and activities. Physical therapists work with patients to develop treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs and goals. 

The goals for physical therapy can range from restoring basic mobility to helping patients recover after an accident or surgery. Physical therapists may use a variety of treatments such as massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, stretching, and strengthening exercises to assist in patient recovery. 

They also provide education about proper body mechanics and posture along with tips on maintaining an active lifestyle. Additionally, they can monitor ongoing progress throughout treatment to ensure that patients are getting the most out of their physical therapy experience.


What does a Physical Therapist do?

A Physical Therapist (PT) is a healthcare professional who is responsible for diagnosing and treating physical injuries and certain chronic conditions. PTs treat an injury, disease, and disability through the use of physical techniques such as stretching, exercises, massage, joint mobilization, and postural re-education. These treatments help to reduce pain, improve range of motion, increase function and mobility, and restore health. 

The goal of physical therapy is to help people return to their daily lives with improved quality of life. PTs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care facilities, private practice offices, schools, and home health agencies. They develop individualized treatment plans for each patient that include specific goals for recovery and the best approach for achieving them. They also provide education on preventive care measures that can prevent future injury or re-injury.


Benefits of Physical Therapy for seniors with Alzheimer's

Physical therapy has long been used to help seniors with Alzheimer's improve their quality of life. Physical therapy can help seniors with Alzheimer's increase their range of motion, flexibility, and strength. It can also help by improving balance and coordination while decreasing the risk of falls. Additionally, physical therapy can provide support for seniors who are at risk for developing health issues associated with Alzheimer’s such as poor posture, poor circulation, or limited movement.

Physical therapy uses a variety of techniques to target each individual’s needs. Therapeutic exercises such as stretching and strengthening can help improve mobility and flexibility while providing valuable exercise that may reduce limitations caused by Alzheimer's disease. Balance exercises that focus on proper body alignment, coordination, and strength are also important components of physical therapy for those with Alzheimer’s. Activities that involve using the arms and legs in unison can also be used to challenge cognitive skills to improve memory and concentration.

Other activities such as aquatic therapy have been shown to provide both physical and psychological benefits for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease. Water is naturally calming, making it an ideal environment for stress reduction which is especially important for those living with Alzheimer’s since they often experience anxiety due to confusion or changes in routine or environment. Aquatic therapy also provides a gentle form of resistance that creates muscle tension without putting strain on joints making it easier for older adults to perform exercises that may otherwise be too difficult.

Overall, physical therapy offers a variety of solutions for people living with Alzheimer’s disease that could potentially improve overall well-being safely and effectively allowing them to remain independent longer than if left untreated.

Although seniors with Alzheimer’s might be forgetful, they can still benefit a lot from physical therapy. PT can help them sleep better, have less pain, and even improve their mood. If you are a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s, know that there is hope and help available. A professional team of caregivers at BrightStar Care is ready to talk with you about your care needs and develop a plan tailored just for your loved one. Give us a call today to get started!


Contact BrightStar Care Howard County Today!

We’re passionate about matching the best physical therapists with families who need specialized care. We provide medical staffing suitable for the needs of your loved ones. If you’re interested in learning more about our physical therapy services or finding a caregiver for your loved one, contact BrightStar Care of Howard County today.
 
If you have questions regarding our services in Howard County, MD, or want to book a free home visit, please contact us at 410-910-9425. Our website also includes a contact form that you can use to get in touch with us. It will be a pleasure to meet you and your family, and we look forward to providing you with the care and support you need.