Recovery & Wellness: 5 Benefits of Physical Therapy

According to Very Well Health, “physical therapy is a healthcare specialty that includes the evaluation, assessment, and treatment of individuals with limitations in functional mobility.”

It helps individuals develop, maintain, and restore maximum body movement and physical function.

Physical therapy takes a non-invasive approach to improve a person’s overall well-being. Since October is Physical Therapy Month, our team at Vivage wants to share the many benefits that physical therapy can provide and how post-hospitalization rehabilitation services can help you or someone you know maintain/regain independence in a safe and healthy way.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

1. Treating Chronic Pain

As we age, chronic conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis can affect our daily lives. Fortunately, physical therapy can help alleviate this pain. Through physical therapy and long-term rehabilitation care, individuals can preserve their strength and use of joints. This can help prevent further decline and offset the effects of joint discomfort. Through therapeutic techniques, physical therapy can also help reduce discomfort in individuals who are already experiencing pain from a chronic condition.

2. Preventing Falls and Reducing the Risk of Injury

It’s common for muscle strength and flexibility to decline with age, leading to an increased risk of injury or accidental falls. By participating in physical therapy, individuals learn balance, extension, and strength training exercises, improving their overall stability and strength. These exercises can help counteract age-related strength and flexibility loss, leading to a significantly decreased risk of falls or injury.

Read our blog, “Strength in Numbers: Vivage Shares Tips for Maintaining Your Strength,” to learn how you can keep your muscles strong and flexible!

3. Lessening Dependence on Prescription Drugs

It is common to be prescribed medications for various health concerns or conditions, but physical therapy can reduce your need to add any pain medications to your list.

Physical therapy is a great alternative to taking more medications because it can be just as effective without causing unwanted side effects. As a long-term care provider in Colorado and Missouri, Vivage uses a complimentary, holistic approach to the care we provide. This enables us to offer more personalized care that addresses the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. 

4. Giving Your Recovery of Kickstart

When you refrain from participating in regular activities, getting back into your routine can be more challenging. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of your muscles further weakening. In addition, if you decide to tackle the recovery process on your own, you can risk an injury occurring or recurring.

Physical therapy and other rehabilitation services can begin as soon as possible after an injury or illness, allowing you to get back to your everyday life sooner with a minimized risk of further physical decline.

5. Maintaining and Regaining Independence

The more active individuals are, the better their overall health and wellness. Physical therapy encourages individuals to stay active and mobile, increasing their strength and helping them maintain their ability to complete the activities and tasks of daily life. This, in turn, allows individuals to retain or regain their independence. 

Physical Therapy and Long-Term Care at Vivage

Vivage’s post-hospitalization rehabilitation services provide individuals with an environment designed to ensure a safe, efficient recovery. In addition, we offer therapy services to help individuals maintain functioning and independence. Private suites, nutrition-specific dining options, and medical physicians and nurses are all available to promote improved health and wellness. 

We also have our own in-house therapy associates, so individuals receive a strong continuum of care with the same team of therapists treating them each day. Beyond our in-house services, Vivage offers outpatient therapy services to offer a more robust continuum of care, which creates a smoother transition home or to the next level of care.

Whether you or someone you know needs pre-surgery wellness preparation or skilled care and therapies following surgery, injury, or accident, Vivage communities offer a high level of quality and service to return patients to optimal health.

• Our private suites include Wi-Fi, television, telephone, in-room refrigerator, and plenty of space for guests and visitors.
• Dining options with menu choices focused on healthy nutrition that supports recovery.
• In House Therapy Services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and respiratory therapy.
• Modern equipment and technology in our expansive gyms, including It’s Never 2 Late (IN2L) and data-driven tracking of outcomes.

At Vivage, we are committed to improving the lives of those we serve. Providing the Right Care in the Right Place at the Right Time, our communities offer compassionate, personalized care to each and every one of the individuals who stay with us. 

To learn more about our services or long-term care communities in Colorado and Missouri, contact a member of the Vivage team or visit our website.