Geriatrics: You’re Capable of More Than You Think!

Two of my seven years spent as a physical therapist thus far have been in the home health setting. Home health includes traveling to the homes of patients who are often 65+ years old and have multiple health conditions that preclude them from visiting a PT office like Premier Physical Therapy. Working in the home can be a fun environment using whatever is functionally available.

However, it can often be easier and more effective to treat folks in the clinic than in their home because I have more equipment to use for their recovery in the clinic. I’ve only got two hands, after all; I can’t carry everything!

This gentleman is a perfect example of why folks should come into the clinic, if possible. “John” (not his real name) is 87 years old and is working hard on his balance, strength, and reducing his risk of falling. He has several other specific goals to work towards, but his progress in just a couple short months has been tremendous. Part of the reason for this success is optimal loading.

Optimal loading is the process of gradually and progressively increasing the amount of load on a physiological structure to optimize its performance. For example, if you want to get stronger quad muscles, you need to gradually load the quads with resistance and exercises (squats, lunges, etc.) that teach the quads to be stronger over longer, consistent periods of time. In other words: “use it or lose it.”

With John, we can optimally load his glutes, quads, calves, pecs, triceps, and other muscle groups with the sled push exercise. This exercise also challenges his dynamic balance while he walks along the turf, thus helping to address several of his goals at once. No, he probably won’t play for the Carolina Panthers this NFL season, but if we get enough injuries, the coach may be knocking on John’s door!

One of my lessons learned from my two years in home health is that older, active patients are generally capable of more than we think.

As a one-on-one PT, I tailor each and every exercise to the specific person that comes in the door; an 80 year old with COPD and congestive heart failure is unlikely to tolerate an exercise like the sled push. However, remember what your parents likely told you: “don’t judge a book by its cover.” And if you question whether you can complete challenging exercises like John, come give it a try in the safety of Premier Physical Therapy. We’ll take great care of you.