Looking for ways to recover faster and stay independent longer?
Physical therapy and exercise are two of the most effective senior wellness fitness solutions available. But there’s something few people realise…
They actually work best when combined.
Used individually, physical therapy and exercise deliver great results. But when you blend them together? Recovery time decreases significantly. Seniors experience quicker strength gains, faster mobility improvements, and a reduced chance of future setbacks.
Plus the best part?
These fitness solutions can be implemented by almost anyone. Age or current activity level doesn’t matter.
This article covers:
- Why Physical Therapy and Exercise Should Be Used Together
- How Combined Training Leads to Faster Senior Recovery
- How the Right Equipment Supports Your Seniors
- Building a Lasting Wellness Routine for Seniors
Why Physical Therapy and Exercise Should Be Used Together
Physical therapy aims to recover from injuries, alleviate pain, and restore movement. Exercise aims to build strength, increase mobility, and improve general health.
The issue with both is that most seniors only focus on one or the other.
They’ll either do physical therapy for a few weeks after hurting themselves then stop exercising entirely. Or they’ll try to workout on their own with little regard for their limitations.
This is a mistake.
When exercised alongside regular workouts, seniors experience a faster and more comprehensive recovery. Physical therapy addresses weaknesses while exercise strengthens the body as whole to prevent future injuries.
Think about it…
Physical therapy can be viewed as the plan. Exercise is the action. You need both in order to reach your goals of faster recovery times and improved long-term wellness.
For senior homes and rehab clinics, investing in quality commercial fitness equipment can also help. The right machines enable seniors to follow their therapists advice at home while still having fun.
How Combined Training Leads to Faster Senior Recovery
Falls are a serious concern.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, every year over 14 million adults over the age of 65 report falling. Injuries sustained from falls are the leading cause of death from injury for seniors.
That’s a problem.
But there’s hope…
Studies have shown that senior fall rates decrease by 29% to 32% when they participate in regular exercise programs that focus on strength and balance.
When those same exercises are paired with physical therapy that targets balance and corrects form… senior recovery is once again supercharged.
Here are a few ways combining these two wellness solutions helps seniors recover faster and stay healthy:
- Quicker pain reduction – Physical therapists are able to identify pain sources and use tools like manual therapy to correct them. Exercise increases blood flow and decreases inflammation naturally which speeds up the healing process.
- Improved balance + mobility – Many exercises seniors do in physical therapy focus on balance. They can then take those same exercises and continue to work on them at home. The more seniors work on their balance, the lower their chances of falling and hurting themselves.
- Stronger muscles + joints – Exercise prevents injury as much as it treats it. Proper strength training prevents seniors from injuring a weak muscle or joint.
The moral of the story? Adding exercise to a physical therapy regimen doesn’t have to wait until full recovery. Starting both as soon as possible ensures seniors get better – faster.
How the Right Equipment Can Help Your Seniors
Okay, but what about equipment?
Not all fitness equipment is created equal. And when you’re dealing with seniors that are recovering from surgery, living with arthritis, or just have limited mobility… some equipment can actually be dangerous.
That’s why low-impact options are best.
When you’re choosing senior wellness fitness solutions, look for low-impact options that focus on total-body movement. Running machines and jumping equipment don’t provide this. Nor do they accommodate the limitations many seniors have.
Recumbent style cross trainers, stationary bicycles, and simple resistance machines are great for seniors.
But don’t stop there.
Once physical therapists start their patients on certain exercises, they should continue to use that same equipment at home. Not only will this reinforce what they’re learning from their therapist, but it’ll create a long-lasting exercise routine.
Look for equipment that offers:
- Low-impact ways to move your whole body
- Resistance options for strength training
- Comfortable seating with easy access
- Safety features for seniors with limited mobility
When you find fitness solutions that meet these criteria, seniors will use them long after their therapy has ended.
Building a Long-Term Wellness Routine for Seniors
Great exercise routines don’t just happen. They’re built over time.
Too many seniors complete their physical therapy program then sit around for the rest of their life. Without any form of exercise, their bodies slowly regress back to where they started.
That’s why it’s important to think long-term.
Here are some elements that should be included in every senior wellness fitness solution:
- Strength training – Complete 2-3 sessions each week that target all major muscle groups. Resistance training can be as simple as lifting your own bodyweight.
- Balance work – Every day should include some sort of balance training. This helps seniors with daily tasks like walking, climbing stairs, and sitting down.
- Stretching – Stretching keeps seniors flexible while reducing pain associated with stiffness. Great for arthritis sufferers and post-op patients.
- Cardiovascular exercise – Working up a sweat improves heart health and helps seniors with their endurance. Look for low-impact cardio options like walking, cycling, and recumbent cross trainers.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends seniors get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. If a senior is unable to do this, they should try to be active for as long as their abilities allow them too.
Remember… short bursts of exercise every day is better than 2 hour workout sessions once a week. Plus those 10 minute daily sessions will stick long after a senior opts out of physical therapy.
Bringing It All Together
Exercise and physical therapy should never be viewed as competition. Coached exercise, or physical therapy that incorporates exercise, produces the best possible results.
For seniors hoping to recover quickly and maintain their quality of life… this rehabilitation method is the most effective solution available.
Quick Recap:
- Physical therapy provides seniors with the exercise guidance they need
- Exercise regimens keep seniors stronger longer
- The right exercise equipment ensures seniors can stay active regardless of ability level or limitations
- Fitness solutions shouldn’t be about doing more… they should be about doing the right things in order
