High blood pressure is a common diagnosis, especially for aging adults. It’s a complicated health condition, and there are many treatments available. But if it’s left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications. Medication and lifestyle changes, including exercise, are some of the most common prescriptions for seniors with high blood pressure. Some seniors haven’t exercised in years, however, or they might find movement painful at first.
Physical therapy can be a valuable tool in getting better control of high blood pressure.
Designing Exercise Programs
Every senior has different abilities and preferences when it comes to exercise. Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps lower blood pressure over time. However, some seniors need to start out with small amounts of exercise and gradually ramp things up as they become stronger. Physical therapy helps seniors develop an exercise program tailored to their needs.
Helping with Cardio Conditioning
Physical therapy sessions for seniors with high blood pressure might specifically target the heart and the cardiovascular system. These exercises, like walking or cycling, help to improve endurance and encourage blood flow throughout the body.
Seniors engaging in these types of exercises gradually become stronger and find that they can tolerate more exercise, sometimes at a faster pace. They may even be more physically active at the end of physical therapy than they were when they were much younger.
Correcting Posture and Body Mechanics
Physical therapists study how the body works and moves. They can help seniors perfect their body mechanics while exercising and correct their posture, which can have surprising benefits for high blood pressure. Poor posture can restrict blood flow in certain parts of the body, for instance, making the heart and the rest of the cardiovascular system work harder than they should.
Assisting with Stress Management
Moving more helps reduce stress and, therefore, eventually reduces blood pressure levels. Physical therapy can help patients learn techniques like deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and other mindfulness techniques. Adding these to seniors’ daily routines can help them improve overall well-being and health.
Monitoring and Tracking Progress
Throughout physical therapy, seniors are monitored to see how well they are progressing. This helps physical therapists change the care plan to meet the senior’s needs and get better results. As seniors become stronger and see the benefits of working out more often, they may decide they want to try new types of exercises.
With the guidance of healthcare providers and physical therapy services, seniors can improve their mobility, lower their blood pressure, and reduce the risk of developing complications from high blood pressure. All of this is good news and can happen faster than seniors might expect.
Physical therapy can be a key component of a solid plan to lower high blood pressure for aging adults. Incorporating movement and exercise into a senior’s life helps them to take proactive steps toward better overall health.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Physical Therapy in Orland Park, IL, please contact the caring staff at Platinum Home Health Care, Inc. today at (708) 995-7758.
Platinum Home Health Care, Inc. is a top provider of professional medical home health care services in Chicago, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Lemont, New Lenox, Oak Lawn, Frankfort, Mokena, Chicago Ridge, Homer Glen, Boone County, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County, Will County, and Winnebago County and surrounding areas.
We offer a wide array of medical and wellness services to guide you to better health management. All team members are fully trained to be on the cutting edge with the new methods and approaches to patient care. Criminal background checks and medical screenings are also performed on a regular basis. Our caring staff of highly experienced professionals provide quality care which is suitable to your individual needs. We provide professional services with great pride and maximum care.
At Platinum, it is all about YOU, getting better health, better life!
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