Physical therapy is essential for a healthy lifestyle, especially for seniors. It can help to improve balance, reduce pain and promote independence. If your loved one has limited mobility or difficulty accessing physical therapy services, there are still ways that they can benefit from at-home effortless exercises for seniors.
Benefits of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy has several benefits for your senior parents. Physical therapists create personalized exercise plans to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and range of motion, and improve balance.
Types of Physical Therapy
Most physical therapy programs include stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and range of motion (ROM) exercises. Stretching helps to improve flexibility. Strengthening, on the other hand, increases muscle tone and endurance. Range-of-motion activities focus on moving the body in specific ways as prescribed by your senior loved one's therapist to work on joints and muscles.
Simple Exercises for Physical Therapy
Physical therapy done in the comfort of your senior loved one's home can be as simple or complex as their needs dictate. With careful planning and guidance, you can create a safe and effective physical therapy program for them. You always want to check with your senior parent's doctor before starting any new workout program. Here are a few effortless exercises for seniors to try:
Stretching Exercises
Performing basic stretching exercises can help your senior loved one stay mobile and increase their range of motion.
- Neck stretches
- Shoulder stretches
- Back stretching
- Hip stretching
These are some easy ways to get started with physical therapy at home.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises are integral for your senior loved one's health. They can help to build muscles, increase bone density, and improve balance. These exercises should be done carefully, as the wrong kind can cause injury or pain.
- Squats
- Push-Ups (if able)
- Lunges
- Planks
- Bicep curls – using either free weights or resistance bands
Resistance bands are portable enough, making it easier for your senior loved one to exercise at home.
Range of Motion Exercises
Range of motion exercises can be done with simple equipment like a cane or chair. These exercises are important for increasing flexibility in the joints. They should be gentle and without pain unless your senior loved one's doctor has specifically prescribed a program that increases discomfort gradually.
- Ankle circles
- Knee bends
- Shoulder rolls
- Leg lifts – lying on their back and lifting each leg off the floor, bending at the knee if needed
Equipment Needed for Physical Therapy at Home
When planning physical therapy exercises at home, you may need additional equipment. However, there are a lot of alternatives found around the house. Tights that cover the feet up over the ankles can be an alternative to shoes. You can fill water bottles with sand for your senior loved one to use as weights. With a little creativity, you won't need to spend a fortune on specialized equipment.
Senior Helpers Erie Helps Seniors With Daily Activities
Seniors in Erie and Warren can perform physical therapy at home through effortless exercises for seniors that can improve their overall health and well-being. At Senior Helpers Erie, we can help your senior loved one with a variety of daily tasks, including transportation to appointments. Check out all the ways we can help today!