When is Therapy Needed?

How do you know if you could benefit from therapy?

According to the CDC, after even one fall, most seniors should be referred for a physical therapy evaluation.

But you don’t have to be recovering from a fall, a specific injury, or serious illness to be a good candidate for therapy. It is actually very important not to wait until you have a fall or an injury to begin therapy. As therapists, we want to help you prevent the fall or injury whenever possible. It is always best to have a proactive approach when it comes to health and rehabilitation.

So how do you know if you could benefit from therapy? Your physician, family, and caregivers can often help you decide if you are a good candidate for therapy. However, as soon as you notice any decline in your ability to perform your daily activities, you are likely a good candidate for therapy intervention.

Whether it is a complimentary screen or a formal evaluation from a skilled therapist, our team of specialists can evaluate and, if needed, develop an individualized treatment plan to address your unique challenges before they become a major problem.

So remember Ben Franklin’s quote, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and be pro-active when it comes to your health.

You may benefit from therapy if you…

Worry about falling
Have fallen in the past year
Have regular pain
Feel weak or tired
Walk slower and more carefully lately
Shuffle your feet when walking
Have trouble climbing steps or stairs
Find it harder to get out of chairs, bed, or a car
Have been sick or had surgery
Have problems performing your normal leisure activities or hobbies

Have a chronic condition
Experience shortness of breath
Have become more dependent on others
Use an assistive device
Have difficulty with bathing, dressing, or using the restroom
Have vision problems
Have problems with memory or finding words
Become confused with easy tasks

Have difficulty handling your finances
Have increased difficulty managing your home
Experience changes with your voice
Have difficulty chewing and/or swallowing
Cough when you eat or drink
Have less appetite
Have difficulty having conversations
Interact less with family or friends
Have difficulty participating in your normal exercise or recreational activities

What Our Patients Say

I had problems with my gait, balance, and fatigue. Bill taught me a lot and gave me the determination to keep up with what I’d learned to keep me a “young” eighty-plus-year old and live my life at the highest level. If you have been told that you need a Physical Therapist, I highly recommend Bill Ivey. He’s the best!

Reba Nyen

You have been such a blessing to my Mom and have helped her in ways that many doctors and therapists
could not. Not only have you improved her mobility and functionality, you gave her confidence and life
skills to prosper in her old age. You worked ‘miracles’ with Mom.

Yvonne Wichman

A very heartfelt thank you for the care you gave my dad. Not only were
you his therapist, but you were a friend to him. I’m grateful you were
with us during Daddy’s difficult journey.

Trish Allen