News & Info

12 Ways of Caring

The holiday season is a time of reflection – and an ideal time to plan for a better and healthier future. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can be integral in maintaining and improving your quality of life, offering diverse tools to support physical, mental, and social well-being. Below are 12 gifts of care that these therapies provide, each designed to help individuals live with greater independence and confidence.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy (PT) can help you strengthen your foundation by enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and preventing future health issues.

1. Pain management. Chronic pain doesn’t have to be a constant companion. Studies show that physical therapy can reduce or eliminate pain for conditions like arthritis, back pain, and injuries. In fact, the CDC recommends physical therapy as a safer alternative than opioids for managing chronic pain.
2. Mobility improvement. PT helps restore strength and flexibility, allowing individuals to move with ease. In one study, people who were helped by physical therapy improved their mobility up to 40%.
3. Surgery rehabilitation. Post-surgical recovery can be challenging, but PT speeds up the healing process. Therapists can create tailored plans that help build strength, ease pain and inflammation, reduce scar tissue, and reduce the risk of complications.
4. Fall prevention. Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults, with 14 million – or 1 in 4 older adults – experiencing a fall annually. PT can address balance issues and muscle weakness to significantly reduce the risk of falls. 

Occupational therapy

For mastering everyday life, occupational therapy (OT) empowers individuals to manage daily activities and adapt to changing needs.

5. Activities of daily living (ADL) training. Whether it’s dressing, bathing, or cooking, OT teaches practical skills to maintain autonomy. For example, research shows stroke survivors who have the support of OT can improve their ability to perform ADLs once again and can be more independent.
6. Space adaptation. Simple changes—like installing grab bars or rearranging furniture—can transform a home into a safer space. One of the core tenets of occupational therapy is “creating and ensuring inclusive environments.” Therapists can recommend modifications based on a homeowner’s needs, functional status, interests, and goals; they can also return to ensure the adaptations are working as they should and provide training for adaptive equipment.
7. Cognitive rehabilitation. For individuals facing memory or problem-solving challenges, OT provides exercises and strategies to support cognitive health. For example, breaking down tasks, using visual aids, relying on notebooks and alarms, and self-pacing are just some of the approaches therapists teach.
8. Sensory integration. OT can help individuals process sensory information more effectively, especially if they experience discomfort or confusion in stimulating environments. For children with autism, research has found that Ayres Sensory Integration therapy is a particularly effective treatment.

Speech therapy

Speech therapy (ST) addresses more than just speech—it’s a lifeline for communication, swallowing, and cognitive health; in short, it helps people find their voice.

9. Speech and language improvement. Whether someone is recovering from a stroke or dealing with age-related changes, ST helps them improve articulation and fluency. Research has noted that older adults with communications disabilities experience poorer health, worse healthcare outcomes, and increased loneliness and depression.
10. Swallowing rehabilitation. About 1 in 25 adults suffer difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). A speech therapist might show their patient how to reposition themselves to improve their swallowing, or teach them motion, coordination, and strengthening exercises to ensure safer eating and drinking.
11. Voice rehabilitation. Nearly 18 million Americans have problems with their voice. For those experiencing changes to the quality, pitch or loudness of their voice so that it is strained, husky, weak or even gone, ST restores clarity and strength to the voice, improving overall communication confidence.
12. Cognitive-communication training. Speech therapists spend 14% of their time helping people with dementia. Regardless of the diagnosis, ST helps individuals overcome difficulties and regain as much function as possible through practicing tasks.

Just as the holidays encourage us to share with and give to others, this season is a reminder to care for ourselves. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies offer tools to help people age well, each tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re looking to stay active, regain independence, or connect with others more effectively, these therapies can make a lasting impact. 

If you or a loved one are ready to explore these proactive ways to age well, contact us today to learn more about our physical, occupational, and speech therapy services and how we can support your health journey.