Merriam-Webster defines physical therapy as “therapy that is used to restore, enhance, or restore movement and physical function.” It’s a mixture of exercises, massage techniques, assistive devices, and education provided by a trained professional in movements and muscle function.

Physical therapy helps with many conditions and diseases. Here are five of the most common health conditions that benefit from sessions with a physical therapist.

Arthritis

Is arthritis pain impacting your dad’s mobility? If he’s allowing the pain to keep him from moving around as much, physical therapy is essential. The best treatment plan for arthritis is to stay active and lose weight. He needs to get up and move around.

A physical therapist will address the level of pain your dad experiences and come up with exercises that help strengthen the muscles and joints to help him stay active. Massage and the use of heat and cold therapies may aid with inflammation and pain. His therapist will go over all of this with him to find the right methods.

Cancer

If your dad has cancer that impacts his stamina, bones, or joints, he might find it beneficial to work with a physical therapist. Treatments like chemo and radiation can leave your dad struggling with exhaustion. As he regains strength, working with a physical therapist ensures he doesn’t overdo it as he regains mobility and stamina.

Dementia

As the brain deterioration continues, there reaches a point where balance and motor skills are impacted. A physical therapist helps your dad maintain balance and motor skills for as long as possible.

When he requires a wheelchair or walker to get around, his physical therapist helps him learn how to use them and adjust to the change.

Heart Disease

Exercise is important when heart disease is diagnosed, but it’s equally important to not over-exert or strain the heart. Your dad works with a physical therapist to find the right exercises to help him stay active without risking his heart health.

If he’s had a heart attack or surgery, his physical therapist helps him gain strength and stamina. He’ll learn how to get enough exercise without causing damage to the gains he’s making.

Stroke

Physical therapy is important after a stroke. As a stroke often leaves people without the ability to fluidly move one side of the body, a physical therapist helps strengthen the connection between the brain and the movements of the arm and leg on the affected side.

Your dad regains mobility by relearning how to grasp items or move his leg. If he requires a walker or cane, his therapist helps him learn how to properly use them.

Once you’ve talked to your dad’s doctor, arrange physical therapy sessions. His doctor and physical therapist work with you to ensure your dad’s mobility and motor skills are restored or maintained as best as they can be.

If you or an aging loved one is considering physical therapy in Silver Spring, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706

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Ann Smith RN

Owner at Care at Home

Ann Smith, RN, Realtor® Your local Home care and Home transition expert Ann is a Registered Nurse and a Realtor with a passion and dedication to serving her community. She has over twenty years of nursing experience in pediatric, geriatric, home health care, and care management. She founded Care at Home, a home care company, to provide seniors with services that promote independence and safe aging in place. Ann is dedicated to helping seniors achieve stress-free retirement living by providing comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's mother instilled in her the value of hard work, dedication, and service to others at a young age, which is now a driving force in her home care agency. Her caring and compassionate work with seniors began when she was just 17 years old. She was offered a job as a caregiver. Just as quickly, she instinctively knew that this would be her life's work. She soon became a nurse and has since helped many older adults transition seamlessly into a new phase of life. While helping seniors and individuals with their home care needs, it became apparent that part of the transition process often involved selling their current home for more suitable living arrangements. That's when Ann decided to add real estate services to alleviate stress and enhance her client's experience. It's also how she became known as the Home Transition Agent. Today, Ann helps her mature clients achieve stress-free retirement living by providing in-home care and comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's love for children and dedication to helping families caring for children with chronic health conditions inspired Pediatric Care at Home, a division of Care at Home that provides pediatric nursing care. Ann and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate care to all, from infants to older adults. When Ann isn't busy helping her patients and clients, she volunteers her time at women's shelters and fostering dogs. She and her veteran husband enjoy a simple life in the countryside, where farm animals and country life surround them. Ann also enjoys reading, photography, gardening, and nature walk with their dogs.

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