Physical Therapy can Help with Elderly Mobility
As people age, they start to have issues with their mobility. Some of the reasons why people might become less mobile during their later years is because when they age:
- They begin to have a reduction in their lean muscle mass, including muscle tissue.
- Their overall bone density decreases, causing the bones to get weaker.
- They may have suffered serious traumatic injuries over the years, which have contributed to a reduction in overall mobility.
- Their cartilage starts to degrade, contributing to the development of arthritis.
To maintain independence, it is essential for everyone to maintain their mobility as much as possible. Physical therapy can prove helpful in maintaining mobility during the elderly years.
The Role of Physical Therapy
Physical therapists are medical specialists who can help patients recover from physical injuries. Some individuals who suffer from acute injuries, such as bone fractures, might need physical therapy to regain function of the injured limb. Physical therapy can also help individuals maintain mobility. Some of the examples include:
- Muscle Strength: Physical therapists can use exercises to strengthen the muscles of the legs. By strengthening the muscles of the legs, the joints are provided with additional support when moving back and forth. With less stress on the joints, arthritic pain could be reduced.
- Muscle Flexibility: Muscle flexibility is also essential for preventing injuries. The more flexible muscles are, the farther they can extend and contract before a strain, or a sprain occurs. Physical therapy improves muscle flexibility.
- Coordination: Physical therapists can also help elderly individuals with their coordination. Coordination is essential because it helps maintain balance. With improved coordination, the risk of a slip and fall injury is less likely. This also helps to retain mobility.
These are only a few of the many ways that a physical therapist could help people retain their mobility. Retaining mobility is vital for preventing injuries and for maintaining independence. Those who suffer from reduced mobility are at risk of several complications.
Complications of Reduced Mobility
If an individual suffers from reduced mobility, several complications could arise. Some of these include:
- If people suffer from reduced use of the arms of the legs, the bones could start to degrade, leading to osteoporosis.
- Without using the muscles, lean muscle mass starts to fade, resulting in increased weakness.
- Those who are truly unable to move are also at risk of severe skin breakdown, which could lead to pressure ulcers and acute infections.
Ultimately, it is essential for people to take steps to retain their mobility. Sometimes, people lose their mobility as a result of an injury.
Watch YouTube Video: 5 Exercises to Improve Mobility for Seniors. The video below provides the top five exercises to help the elderly prevent immobility, and maintain proper joint and muscle function in the body.
Contacting a Personal Injury Law Firm
Sometimes, people might start to lose their mobility at an early age. This could result from traumatic injuries that were sustained in a traumatic event, such as an auto accident. Numerous complications could result from these injuries. This can create a feeling of uncertainty that can be stressful for a family. For help with this situation, families should meet with a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. A compassionate attorney can help with:
- Assisting families in reviewing the records from the accident to make sure that all of the details have been considered.
- Negotiating with various financial institutions to make sure that any bills are paid on time and that all benefits are paid out in full.
- Guiding families in filing for damages related to the accident, its injuries, and any complications.
- Transitioning a case to the courts when necessary.
Every family needs to know that help is available during a difficult time. Reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento today.
Personal Injury Lawyer Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. Reduced mobility during the later years could lead to a reduction in independence, causing people to depend on others for help with their daily activities. If your family member has suffered complications of injuries sustained in a severe accident, please give me a call at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am proud to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and in the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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