When most people think about physical therapy, the focus tends to be on the physical benefits, like improving physical strength and mobility. That’s even more true for seniors, especially if they’re recovering from injuries or managing age-related issues. However, many seniors find that they experience mental health benefits from physical therapy, too.
Connecting Physical Health and Mental Health
The body and mind connection is a strong one. When seniors experience physical limitations, that can have a huge impact on how they feel mentally and emotionally. Chronic pain can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
As physical therapy works to improve physical well-being, it creates positive feedback that improves mental health. This is all on top of the “happy chemicals” that the brain releases when humans move their bodies more often.
Improving Mood and Reducing Anxiety
One of the biggest and most immediate mental health benefits of physical therapy is how it can impact mood. That’s because of the endorphins and other chemicals that the brain releases to help relieve pain and promote a sense of well-being.
Physical therapists put together plans that target specific needs for seniors, allowing them to accomplish goals and feel more independent.
Boosting Confidence and Independence
As seniors experience more success with their movement plans, they become more confident and independent. Strength and balance training help to reduce the risk of falls and other injuries, for instance. Seniors start to feel safer and better able to handle the tasks in their daily routines.
Improving Social Interaction
Physical therapists work closely with their patients and get to know them. There is a social component involved, especially when seniors partake in group sessions and classes. This can have a deeper impact on seniors’ lives, too, making them feel more comfortable connecting with other people around them.
Reducing Cognitive Decline Risk Factors
Staying or getting physically active has cognitive impacts. Moving more helps to increase blood flow everywhere in the body, including the brain. This can help to reduce risk factors related to Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Focusing on building strength and improving balance also helps the brain maintain plasticity, which is the ability to formulate new neural pathways.
Improving Sleep Quality
Moving more helps improve sleep quality, which boosts mental health. Many seniors battle sleep issues for a variety of different reasons. Exerting themselves physically helps them to reduce stress, relax the body, and sleep more restfully when they do try to sleep.
Better sleep quality improves both energy and mood, helping seniors have better mental health overall.
Managing Chronic Pain
If chronic pain is something seniors face, it can have a huge impact on mental health. Physical therapy may not be able to cure the underlying cause of chronic pain, but it can help with managing pain. Physical therapists work with patients to find ways to reduce discomfort and improve quality of life, which directly improves mental health.
Physical therapy does much more than just help seniors exercise more. It can also help seniors lead healthier lives that are more fulfilling, even in terms of improving their mental health.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Physical Therapy in Pompano Beach, FL, please contact the caring staff at Actify Home Care today at (954) 902-6049
Actify Home Care provides exceptional home and facility care for anyone in Broward County, including Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Parkland, Sunrise, Plantation, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Tamarac, Coral Springs, Miramar, Florida, and surrounding areas.
We offer services all around the South Florida area, if you have questions for us or don’t see your area listed just ask, we’d be happy to help. Contact us today!
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