By Pam Cooper

I chose the field of Physical Therapy the summer before my senior year of high school. I knew I wanted to work in health care, so I volunteered at a local hospital and ‘floated’ through the different departments. When I observed the therapists working in their gym, I knew I had found my vocation. My grandmother had suffered a stroke; knowing that there was something I could do to directly impact someone’s functional mobility really hit home.

Whether you are younger or older, physical therapists can help improve mobility for people with injuries or illnesses. They are an important part of the rehabilitation process, especially for patients with chronic conditions. Physical therapy can make you stronger and help you move and feel better.

During National Physical Therapy Month, we want to tell you why physical therapy is so important.

Getting to the Source of Pain

Physical therapists not only treat pain, but they get to its source. By getting to the source, they can provide the appropriate treatments and exercises to ease the pain and help their patients move better. When the physical ailment is gone, or at least less severe, a patient’s emotional state improves as well. Since there is a relationship between physical and mental health, getting to the source of the issue is important.

Physical Therapy Treatments

Depending on the patient and the symptoms, a physical therapist may have them perform exercises such as:

• Low-impact aerobic training – such as walking or riding a stationary bike
• Strengthening exercises – with machines, weights, bands or body weight
• Stretching – gentle stretches in and around the pain or injured areas

There are also treatments such as:

• Ice and heat packs – reducing inflammation and warming muscles so they move better
• Massage – to help injured or sore areas
• Electrical nerve stimulation or ultrasound – these block the pain messages that go to your brain

Physical Therapy at Naperville Senior Center!

With over 25 years of experience as a physical therapist, I bring a unique outlook to our Senior Center. I have developed a seated exercise program which is led daily by either our activity director or one of our CNAs. We also offer the use of a NuStep recumbent bike, an arm bike, a walking track (which is 100’ in circumference) and a hi/low mat table for individual exercise programs (as well as home exercise programs which members bring in). We encourage all of our members to walk the track throughout the day, providing them with the appropriate level of assistance required, between social activities to promote mobility and endurance. There is no extra charge for any of these services.

We also provide our members with a host of activities to provide mental and physical stimulation such as interactive word search (both individual & group), adult coloring, singing, dancing, shuffle board bowling, basketball, Wii programs, use of computers, parachute games, musical instruments (piano, drums & lots of percussion!), cards, Bunco, Bingo and other fun activities.

Come Visit: to learn more about how NSC can provide a respite for caregivers and a great social environment for your loved one, contact us at 630.857.3017. We invite you to Come Visit and see what we have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home.”