Many times after an injury or accident, as well as, as we age, we may lose some body function. In these cases, restorative therapies help a patient maintain, optimize, or exceed their current function levels.
Restorative therapy is a holistic approach that attempts to improve a patient’s physical and mental well-being.
Join us as we explore the examples of restorative therapies and how they work.
What are Restorative Therapies used for?
Restorative therapies are used to help restore function to the body. It is designed to maintain proper body functions for day-to-day activities such as walking, standing, and sitting. A patient is less likely to develop pressure ulcers, known as bedsores, if remaining mobile. Much like physical therapy, restorative therapies provide individualized programs for each individual.
Restorative therapies also play a significant role in managing pain, improving mobility, increasing the quality of life, and providing independence for seniors. It cannot be understated how important independence can be for seniors. Often the independence gained can also improve their mental health, as they are less likely to slip, fall or injure themselves doing common daily activities.
What are Examples of Restorative Therapies?
Similarly to physical therapy, restorative therapies involve many movements, stretches, breathing exercises, massages, and other modalities. The goal is to put the patient’s body under as little strain as possible while reinforcing the body to maintain proper function. Simple exercises can improve the patient’s flexibility and overall health.
For example, sitting knee extensions and ankle circles may be helpful for older adults with difficulty walking. Sitting knee extensions have the patient sitting down with their feet flat on the ground. One leg is straightened in front of them, held for a few seconds, then lowered down. This is repeated with the other leg for the recommended amount. This can result in a hurt knee regaining flexion equal to the opposite unhurt knee. Ankle circles can be done by sitting on a chair and rotating each ankle clockwise and then counterclockwise. This dynamic stretching helps the joints in the ankle to release tension to improve flexibility and help prevent injury.
Restorative Therapies for Pain Management
Keeping the muscles and joints limber and flexible restorative therapies can aid in managing chronic pain. While there may be some resistance to the stretches and exercises at first, it becomes easier to complete as the treatment progresses. While there is no way to cure chronic pain completely, managing pain by strengthening surrounding muscles and joints has been used to help manage pain for decades.
Are Restorative Therapies Right for Me?
The simple answer is yes if there are any limitations on your body. Restorative therapies can help you regain said limitations and sometimes exceed them. A restorative therapy program can include something as simple as walking, standing, or sitting exercises and special exercises designed for your individual condition.
Perhaps you’re unsure if there are any limitations to your mobility. In these situations, you can ask the helpful staff at SOHMA Integrative Medicine in Long Beach for an evaluation. Your body may have gotten used to compensating for an unknown injury.
Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine
Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health.
Located in Long Beach, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding cities.
We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.
