Physical Therapy: The Cure for What Ails You
Physical Therapy: The Cure for What Ails You
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.”
Free TRIAL is for new Members and their caregiver.
The trial visit is Monday-Friday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Tour our adult day services facility.
Observe some fun activities. Join us for lunch. Learn more at our Senior Adult Day Care center FREE TRIAL
Receive Peace of Mind.
*** No obligation! ***
Learn more about Naperville Senior Citizen services and upcoming events.
Prioritize. Whether you prioritize your month, week or day (or all of the above), understand what the most important things are that need to be done. Work down your list, checking items off as you go. If someone else can help you finish a task, ask for their assistance. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Have ‘Me’ Time. Whether you just go for an hour massage or yoga class, or get away for a day, take time to recharge your batteries. Make sure you put ‘me’ time towards the top of your priority list so it doesn’t get pushed to the side. No one will fault you for wanting to have a little time to yourself. Again, with a little time to yourself, you will be in a much better position to care for your loved one, yourself and your other family members.
100% luck and no skill (there are no decisions to be made), Everyone can pick up the dice and toss ‘em. Our Director of Fun keeps the pace flowing and the members throwing. “What’s the name of the game, Ray?” “BUNCO!” Prizes for all.
The theme of 2019 National Nurses Week is “Nursing: The Balance of Mind, Body and Spirit.” We celebrate all nurses, especially our nurses, Julie and Donna. They are the heart of our personalized care programs! We thank them and all nurses who lead the charge for health and wellness.