Maintain Good Balance & Mobility As An Adult
Arthritis is a common condition that affects many older adults, causing joint pain and stiffness that can interfere with mobility and balance.
To reduce the risk of falls and injuries and maintain overall health and well-being, it is critical for older adults with arthritis to maintain good balance and mobility. Physical therapy interventions can help older adults with arthritis improve their balance and mobility. Exercise programs, assistive devices and technology, manual therapy techniques, and education are specific interventions that may be used in physical therapy.
Exercise programs can be tailored to an individual's specific needs and abilities. They can include exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility. Canes, walkers, and balance boards are assistive devices and technology that can help improve stability and mobility. Joint mobilization and soft tissue massage are manual therapy techniques that can help reduce pain and stiffness while improving the range of motion and function. Individuals with arthritis who receive education, such as pain management strategies and energy conservation techniques, can better manage their condition and improve their overall function.
It is essential to know that Medicare covers physical therapy for older people with specific health problems to help them keep their balance and avoid falling. Individuals must have a medical need for physical therapy, and the treatment must be deemed medically necessary by a healthcare professional to qualify for coverage. Suppose you or a loved one has arthritis and is interested in physical therapy for balance and mobility. In that case, you should consult a healthcare professional and discuss your options.
Physical therapy can be a very effective intervention for improving balance and mobility in elderly arthritis patients. Consider the following two case studies to demonstrate the potential benefits of physical therapy for this population:
Case Study 1:
An older adult with knee osteoarthritis sought physical therapy to improve balance and mobility and reduce the risk of falling. The physical therapist devised a program that included strengthening, flexibility, balance, and mobility exercises, as well as using assistive devices like a cane and balance board. Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue massage were also used to reduce pain and stiffness while improving the range of motion and function. The individual was able to walk more independently, climb stairs with less difficulty, and participate in daily activities with greater ease as a result of the physical therapy program (Source: Physical Therapy, "The Role of Physical Therapy in Falls Prevention in Older Adults with Osteoarthritis," 2019).
Case Study 2:
An older adult with rheumatoid arthritis sought physical therapy to improve their balance and mobility and better manage their condition. The physical therapist devised a program that emphasized balance and mobility exercises, as well as self-management techniques such as pain management and energy conservation. The individual could walk more confidently and safely due to the physical therapy program. He reported improved quality of life (Source: Arthritis Care & Research, "The Impact of Physical Therapy on Balance and Mobility in Elderly Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis," 2016).
These case studies demonstrate the potential benefits of physical therapy for older adults with arthritis in terms of balance and mobility. Suppose you or a loved one is an older adult with arthritis interested in physical therapy. In that case, you should speak with a healthcare professional about your options.
Finally, a comprehensive physical therapy program includes the following:
Exercise programs.
Assistive devices and technology.
Manual therapy techniques.
Education on self-management techniques.
To reduce the risk of falls and injuries and maintain overall health and well-being, it is critical for older adults with arthritis to maintain good balance and mobility. If you or a loved one has difficulty with balance and mobility due to a musculoskeletal condition such as arthritis, speaking with a therapist at Elevate Physical Therapy may be beneficial. Elevate Physical Therapy can evaluate your situation and functional limitations and create a treatment plan that best suits your condition. Don't let joint pain and stiffness keep you from doing what you love. Make an appointment one of our physical therapist today to take the first step toward improved quality of life.
