Chronic fatigue is a big problem for many seniors. They may not be able to do the things they used to love doing because they’re tired all the time. One of the tools that might help is physical therapy services. The goal isn’t to work out a ton, but instead to find movements that help seniors to feel their best and that help them to live their best lives even with chronic fatigue.
Every Patient Is Unique
Every patient, and therefore every instance of chronic fatigue, is different. Seniors can experience chronic fatigue for so many different reasons and may need a variety of tools to help them manage their experience. Physical therapists work to understand what their patients need so that they can put together a program that meets those needs. Some patients may do better with low-intensity exercises, while others may need help with flexibility and building strength. Still others may need it all.
Energy Conservation Techniques
Something else that physical therapists can help their patients understand is how to conserve their energy. Learning how to pace themselves is a valuable tool for seniors to have access to. This can help them to accomplish more while also resting as much as they need to. Seniors may also need to use assistive devices or change how they move their muscles and joints to stave off fatigue.
Lifestyle Modifications
Learning more about sleep hygiene and how that affects fatigue is also important. Physical therapists can work with their patients to understand when it’s okay to rest and take a nap. They can also help seniors learn how to manage stress related to fatigue.
Pain Management Strategies
Often seniors managing chronic fatigue can also be battling pain. Physical therapy teaches seniors movements to help with pain management, but therapists have other tools in the kit, too. They can recommend solutions like heat and ice, TENs units, or massage therapy to help relieve pain and localized fatigue.
Gradual Activity Increases
If the goal is to help seniors become more active, physical therapists can work with them to achieve it. The key is often to start slowly and to build up activity levels gradually. That’s a lot easier for seniors to do safely with a physical therapist helping them along the way.
Motivational Support
Everyone needs a cheerleader in their corner, especially seniors who are fighting chronic fatigue. Physical therapists help their patients to see their progress so that they can understand exactly how far they’ve come in their journey. And on tougher days, physical therapists know just how to comfort seniors who may feel as if they’re not able to do enough.
Physical therapy is about a lot more than jogging on a treadmill or lifting weights. Physical therapists help their patients manage serious conditions like chronic fatigue in a way that doesn’t wear them out or cause them greater harm. Seniors can learn how to pace their activity levels and help their bodies have what they need to feel better as often as possible.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Physical Therapy Services in Marietta GA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (404) 266-8773
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Atlanta, Palmetto, Alpharetta, Chattahoochee Hills, Milton, College Park, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Hapeville, Johns Creek, and all of Fulton County.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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