Physical Therapy Alternatives to Medication
Joint pain is something that a lot of seniors face on a daily basis, and while medications can be effective in managing the pain, some individuals prefer alternative approaches or can’t tolerate the side effects of medications. When that complication arises, seniors might need to look elsewhere for solutions to their joint pain. Physical therapy can help aging adults to find the solutions that enable them to feel less discomfort while also improving joint health as much as possible.
Look for Ways to Improve Overall Health
Improving overall health can have a positive impact on joint pain for aging adults. Seniors who are overweight might find that the extra pounds put a little more strain on joints, particularly in the lower body. Following a balanced and healthy diet that is rich in anti-inflammatory foods that contain ingredients high in omega-3 fatty acids is a good place to start. Proper hydration also helps aging adults to ensure their bodies have enough water to lubricate joints and keep the body active. Home care providers can help with these goals, making them easier for seniors to achieve.
Avoid Sitting for Long Periods of Time
Prolonged sitting can contribute to joint stiffness and discomfort. Adopting a more active lifestyle can help a lot, but many seniors could be starting from zero activity because pain has kept them immobile. Short walks, gentle stretching, and just starting to move a little more can be helpful. Changing positions more often or mindfully taking movement breaks every half hour or so can be a great way to start reducing seated time. The idea is to gradually become more and more active, leaving a completely sedentary lifestyle in the past.
Try Some Form of Exercise Daily
Once seniors are more active in general, regular exercise can be helpful for managing joint pain and maintaining joint mobility. Low-impact exercises offer cardiovascular benefits without putting strain on joints. Many aging adults find that water exercises are particularly helpful. Incorporating strength training exercises helps the muscles around major joints to better support them, especially as the muscles grow stronger. Gentle stretching helps to improve both range of motion and flexibility. Starting this type of exercise plan alone might not be the best idea, however.
Get Help from Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be an invaluable resource for seniors experiencing joint pain. A physical therapist can provide personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs seniors have. They can guide aging adults through exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall joint function. Physical therapy can also help seniors to learn proper body mechanics and techniques for joint protection.
Joint pain can be a debilitating part of aging, but there are alternatives to medication that can help manage discomfort. Accessing the right alternatives can bring joy and greater independence back into seniors’ lives. Physical therapy can help seniors to find the combination of techniques that work best for them, helping them to have a vastly improved quality of life.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring physical therapy in Glenolden, PA, and the surrounding area, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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