With aging comes a multitude of physical changes. The risk of disease is higher, and living situations may need to be altered based on decreased ability for self-care. Loss of faculties and independence often lead to depression among the elderly, which may be eased by a specialized and consistent physical therapy routine.
The Facts
Exercise, a key component of physical therapy, is proven to ease the symptoms of depression in patients of all ages. In a study led by psychologist James Blumenthal of Duke University, exercise was concluded to be as effective overall as an oral anti-depressant among elderly patients. Blumenthal thinks that because the blood flow to the brain is improved through exercise, cognitive abilities are improved, causing an elevation in mood.
Types
Physical therapy includes several types of procedures. The most common are manual therapy, which consists of manipulation of the body by the therapist, and therapeutic exercise, which involves the patient performing exercises designed by the therapist to strengthen and improve function in a specific area of the body. It is the aim of the therapist to rely more heavily on therapeutic exercises, but manual therapy may be needed to ready the body for the challenge of the more strenuous exercises.
Home Program
Graduating from physical therapy in the office to a home program may be a goal to consider with the therapist. Besides the additional physical strength that working out at home can provide, having a routine to perform daily may be helpful in warding off depression further than the average two visits per week to the therapist's office. Ask your therapist to help you design a home program that is easy to follow and maintain, to complement the work being done in the office.
Considerations
Obtain a referral from a primary care physician for physical therapy to assure that care will be coordinated. Not all patients will benefit from physical therapy. If depression or feelings of hopelessness continue for more than two weeks, call a health care professional. If suicidal thoughts occur, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
