Wesson Community Learns Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors and Beyond

Special to Wesson News

For persistent pain, limited mobility, balance or coordination issues, or assistance in recovering from surgery or an injury, physical therapy just could be more helpful than visiting a medical doctor for a pill, a Brookhaven physical therapist told the Wesson Lions Club.

Richard Barker, who has practiced physical therapy for 35 years and is a partner Brookhaven-based Tri Therapy, said physical therapy addresses the root causes of physical health problems through exercises, stretching and other treatments in contrast to medications that ameliorate symptoms and can produce side effects.

“Some research, for example, associates cholesterol drugs with Alzheimer’s disease, cramps, dehydration and sepsis,” Barker noted. “Expensive orthotics prescribed by doctors for foot pain can drive the price of a pair of shoes to more than $500 and provide only temporary relief.  Physical therapy is about lifestyle changes that provide lasting relief.”

General exercise programs managed by physical therapists  strengthen muscles that tend to be weak and stiff, and in turn, take the stress off overworked muscles and joints, he said.  At the same time, he added, appropriate exercises “make you feel better, energize you and cause no pain.” 

“Everyday activities, such as walking, picking up objects, and getting up and down become much easier through exercise routines that improve strength in problem areas,” Barker said. 

Although Barker works with all age groups at Tri Therapy, older persons are a major focus individually and through services to clients of assisted living facilities, Barker said. 

“Our goal is to help them remain happy, healthy and strong, ensuring their good health by keeping them active through a general exercise program,” he explained  “As you grow older, you shouldn’t try to do what you used to do, but personalized exercises help improve strength, stability and mobility for staying active.”

For seniors, fall prevention is particularly important, Barker said, noting that as people grow old, their balance reactions are more sluggish and less responsive.  One in four people over 65 years old will experience falls, and the complications – for example, broken bones – and death.

Customized arthritis exercises can also improve the quality of life of seniors, relieving pain and fatigue while also preserving their joint structure and function, Barker added.  Osteoarthritis exercises gradually restore a patient’s full range of motion and improve bone density, joint mobility, muscle strength, and overall physical conditioning and help them maintain a healthy weight.

Tri Therapy’s work also concerns mental as well as physical health.

“Elderly and disabled persons, particularly, can lose their connections to others, and, as a result, suffer from depression, turn to drugs for relief and even take their own lives,” Barker said.  “We look for ways to connect them – religious services, games and other activities that bring people together.”

Physical therapists can make important contributions to people who want to lead healthy lives, but not overnight, Barker concluded.

“Waiting is part of physical therapy,” he said.  “Life is a long ride with no shortcuts.”