Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors | Video

Rene Thibault | 10/25/2012

October is National Physical Therapy Month. The American Physical Therapy Association is reminding everyone about the importance and uses of their rehab and recovery techniques. But it can be even more important for seniors.

“Physical Therapy as we age becomes more and more important, the geriatrics clientele can really benefit from physical therapy because we can show them exercises that will keep them flexible and keep them strong”, said Reed Argent, a physical therapist with First Choice Physical Therapy.

Strength, balance and flexibility worsen as we age. When people retire, they often become less active. But in reality that’s a time when seniors need to increase their exercise activities. Physical therapists can set people on the path to improving their quality of life by creating exercise programs designed to help specific body parts, or to restore or prevent loss of function.

After a complete shoulder replacement, Larry Bakenko knows first-hand the importance of physical therapy.

“It starts off kind of minor and it builds up and they do a lot of stretching exercises,” he said.

Bakenko has had shoulder surgery before, and then and now physical therapy has been the answer.

“Friend of mine asked me how I was doing, I said I`m doing really well, I`m bench pressing a stick, and for me a stick is an improvement from not doing it at all.”

Every positive step is important when trying to improve your health and physical fitness.

Argent also added that people need to be proactive when it comes to their health. Contact a physical therapist or physician if you see a change in your body or physical fitness level

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