Have you heard about our Senior Fitness Program?
As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to wear and tear and specific health risks. That’s why it’s so important to identify potential threats to your health and take the necessary steps to avoid having to deal with them!
Luckily, there are plenty of safe, holistic ways to take care of your health to promote healthy aging. If you’re living with any kind of chronic pain that keeps you from being as active and healthy as you’d like, or you’re worried you are at risk of losing your independence, physical therapy at Vitality Physical Therapy & Wellness can help.
At Vitality Physical Therapy & Wellness, our Gold Canyon, AZ physical therapy team can help you maintain a solid and mobile body as you get older, manage and prevent chronic illnesses, and keep you active and energized throughout your golden years.
Call us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our Senior Fitness Program, and in the meantime, keep reading to gain some knowledge about ways to stay healthy and active as you age.
Rest assured that we are here to help you maintain your mobility and independence!
The importance of Physical Therapy for Healthy Aging
With a physical therapist, you can work together to create a physical exercise plan to make sure you’re getting adequate physical activity throughout the day without creating pain.
Your initial physical evaluation will consist of several items to gain a comprehensive understanding of your areas of difficulty. These may include vision tests, memory and mental tests, heart rate and breathing assessment, and evaluations of your gait, balance, range of motion, and strength.
Based on the results of this evaluation, your physical therapist will design a treatment plan centered around your specific needs.
These plans are aimed at improving balance, strength, flexibility, endurance, and overall movement as well as reducing your risk for falling.
Some common forms of treatment include:
Walking and Movement Programs
This part of your treatment plan is aimed at getting you back to your normal physical function when walking and/or moving. Your physical therapist may ask you to perform certain activities, such as walking in a circle or completing an obstacle course.
Pain Management
If you are feeling pain anywhere, it will be one of the first things addressed in your treatment plan. Your physical therapist will want to make sure that your treatment is as comfortable as possible, so you will work together on relieving pain first before continuing into any other forms of physical activity that may bring you discomfort.
Balance Training
Balance is a large part of fall prevention, as lack of stability is one of the main reasons falls occur. Your physical therapist will design a realistic, safe, balanced training plan for you as part of your treatment. They may ask you to perform certain balance-based activities, such as standing on one leg or holding your balance while performing a mentally stimulating task (reciting the alphabet or reading a page from a book.)
Strength Training
Strength training is typically paired with your balance training. Your physical therapist will design a strength training plan for you, which will focus on specific muscle groups that are fundamental in our everyday movements.. The goal will be to improve your standing and walking balance, as well as your ability to recover from a loss of balance.
Tips for staying healthy as we age
Take an active role in your health. Obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity are the main culprits leading to chronic disease. To aid in preventing chronic diseases, you can make it a habit of eating healthy meals, making sure to add in all balanced food groups. Even small dietary changes, such as increasing your fruit and vegetable intake and decreasing your salt and saturated fat intake, can make a difference. You can also try to make sure you eat three meals a day, even if it means creating reminders for yourself.
Perform small bouts of activity, or “exercise snacks”, often throughout the day instead of one large chunk of exercise, which can be intimidating. Exercise is one of the best steps you can take to maintain good physical and cognitive health. Exercise is mentally stimulating, and it helps keep you sharp!
How can I get started?
At Vitality Physical Therapy & Wellness, we care about your wellbeing and we would love to see you living your best life possible. Our Senior Fitness program will provide you with the education and resources you need to make healthy choices in all areas of your life.
You deserve to enjoy your golden years with the people you love, and there are several preventative measures you can start taking right now. If you’re ready to feel strong and confident on your aging journey, you’ve come to the right place. Our physical therapists in Gold Canyon, AZ are here to help you stay active and independent as you age with effective therapeutic methods. Contact Vitality Physical Therapy & Wellness today to schedule an appointment for Senior Fitness!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!