Maintaining mobility an investment in Valley residents’ independence

Geoffrey Miller

Submitted photo/Home Assist Health

Patients often look at exercise as an obligation, but with proper education by medical professionals, including physical therapists, they can see it as an investment in their future.”

Tell Us What You Think

What are your thoughts on maintaining mobility as part of physical wellness as we age? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to azopinions@iniusa.org.

We may all lose just a little bit of the spring in our step as we age, but slowing down does not mean we need to give up our independence. Taking time to work on mobility and balance is a key part of the strategy for aging well and moving confidently into the future.

As a physical therapist, my focus is on clients who have suffered injuries from falls or who are in recovery from surgeries. Physical therapists also help treat individuals who can no longer leave their home safely without assistance.

Even though we play a crucial role in helping individuals regain mobility and function after injuries, our work extends far beyond those areas. The practice of physical therapy also includes working with clients to promote overall well-being, prevent injuries and enhance performance of patients, especially those who struggle with activities of daily living.

Movement is the basis of what physical therapists are trained to help patients with, no matter what their age or condition. Regular physical activity helps support muscle strength, mobility of joints, cardiopulmonary endurance and neuromuscular coordination.

Walking is an excellent activity for most people and is indicative of overall health. In fact, gait speed is often referred to as the sixth vital sign. Strength training also can be very beneficial to maintain bone and muscle health, especially if the proper resistance is used.

A major concern for many clients is whether they will be able to maintain their mobility and be able to walk confidently, get up from a chair, climb stairs or carry groceries safely into their home. This is a space where physical therapy can play a major role in assisting patients to improve their overall quality of life.

Stability and balance with transfers, standing and walking activities are critically important and often something we ignore as we age. The balancing mechanism in our body involves the organization of our visual abilities, inner ear (vestibular system) and nervous (somatosensory) systems.

Physical therapists are specifically trained to manipulate these various aspects of the body to help improve balance and reduce risks of falling. Their skill and knowledge will help determine what exercises are appropriate for someone. These may be exercises completed lying down (supine), sitting in a chair or in a standing position, with varying levels of support.

Everyone is at a different level and may need to focus on different parts of their body to be able to achieve their highest level of function.

Among the biggest challenges we encounter with patients is the thought of exercise being unnecessary to maintain their health. Patients often look at exercise as an obligation,  but with proper education by medical professionals, including physical therapists, they can see it as an investment in their future. This will help lead patients to increased independence as they age and allow them to continue doing the things that they love.

Geoffrey Miller is lead physical therapist at Home Assist Health, a Phoenix-based nonprofit serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.  Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to azopinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.