October is National Physical Therapy Month. It’s celebrated to raise awareness about the benefits of physical therapy and to recognize the tremendous work of physical therapists (PT) and physical therapist assistants (PTA).

Physical therapy is found in many settings and carries various benefits for older adults. It can also be found through PACE CNY and other Loretto sites, where we have a team of excellent PTs that do a great and meticulous job at making sure patients are receiving the care they need. We spoke with PACE CNY Physical Therapist and Director of Rehabilitation Mike Ritter about the importance of physical therapy for older adults, some tips and being a PT at Loretto.

What are the benefits of Physical Therapy with older adults?

• Mike Ritter: Socialization, fall prevention/reduction, Improved overall health. Exercise (or even simply physical activity) is one of the best interventions for multiple health issues that older adults can have.

 

What sort of issues might require PT in older adults?

• Mike Ritter: Decreased strength, balance, endurance, coordination, cognition, range of motion, pain management, being at risk for falls or experiencing falls, having difficulty with activities of daily living.

 

Do you feel being a PT is rewarding? In what ways?

• Mike Ritter: Absolutely! In many cases, a PT often spends more time with clients than many other health care professionals and frequently develop genuine relationships. People generally respond well to someone who tells them what they are capable of doing in a positive way.

 

How does the PT team at Loretto work together to make sure participants are successfully meeting their goals?

• Mike Ritter: At PACE, we always keep the focus on participant-centered care to ensure that each participant’s goals are met. Each individual has their own wants and needs, and directing our efforts to positively impact these unique situations results in satisfied customers! At PACE, we work to help people remain in their homes which is often a person’s ultimate goal.

 

What exercises are good for older adults?

• Mike Ritter: Any movement or activity is good, no matter how little. Leg strength is especially important as people get older to remain functional.

 

Which exercises should they avoid?

• Mike Ritter: For the most part, there isn’t a specific exercise that should universally be avoided. Understanding how to properly monitor their own bodies and pace themselves is an important part of exercising safely, and that is another service that Physical Therapists can provide!

 

Outside of PT, what are some ways older adults can stay health, mobile and independent?

• Mike Ritter: Walking if they have the capability to do so safely, participating in group exercises with friends (PACE offers exercise groups at our day centers or via zoom), stretching through all available ranges.

 

Physical therapy can help older adults maintain their independence, lessen the chance of serious injury and continue to live a healthy and active lifestyle. At PACE CNY, the physical therapy team remains focused on the individual’s care, wants and needs while remaining in their homes. Loretto also offers physical therapy at our other sites including at our skilled nursing and assisted living communities.

 

To learn more about physical therapy services at Loretto, visit our website: https://lorettocny.org/