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Reasons You May Need Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Do I need Therapy?

Deciding if you need therapy is a difficult decision. No case is black and white, so don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call us to learn more: 973-246-6565. Here are a few general signs that could point to you needing physical therapy and occupational therapy:

  • You wish to establish an exercise program to maintain and / or prevent issues.
  • You feel weak and overly tired due to a recent or chronic illness.
  • You have a chronic condition that affects function, mobility and or cognition (e.g.,Stroke, Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s).
  • Your joints and muscles feel stiff and painful.
  • Walking or getting out of a chair, car, or bed has become very difficult.
  • You are afraid of falling or have fallen recently.
  • Bathing, grooming, or using the toilet has become a burden.
  • You were recently hospitalized or underwent surgery.
  • You were recently fitted for, or are in need of, a wheelchair or other assistive device.
  • You have trouble swallowing your pills or food.
  • Your voice is often hoarse or sounds harsh.
  • Your speech is often slurred.
  • When you speak it’s difficult for others to understand you.
  • You have trouble remembering things, solving problems, or focusing since a recent hospitalization or illness.
  • You find it difficult to find the right words when speaking.

Does Someone I know need Therapy?

A Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy assessment is a good way to evaluate your parent or loved one’s overall well-being. Here are some signs to look for when determining if the older person you love could benefit from physical or occupational therapy to help rebuild their strength, allowing them to live stronger, pain free mobility and more active lives. You may want to consider getting your loved one help if:

  • Parts of the home look unused. If your parent is no longer venturing from room to room, and instead isolates himself / herself in one room, this may be a sign of limited mobility or fear of falling.
  • The house is cluttered. If your parent is generally a neat and tidy person, clutter could be a sign that he / she is not strong enough to clean or put things away.
  • You notice body odor. This could mean that your loved one is not bathing properly, either due to limited mobility or fear of falling in the shower or tub.
  • Your parent enjoys cooking but you notice an abundance of microwave meals or takeout containers. This may mean that it is too difficult to access, handle, clean, and put away dishes or pots.
  • You find spoiled food in the refrigerator or pantry, which can be a sign of difficulty in the kitchen.
  • You see a distinct change in driving skills. Take special notice of dents or scrapes on your loved one’s car, or changes in the way he or she drives.
  • You observe that Mom / Dad is using furniture, walls, and door jambs for support. Walls and door jambs may exhibit hand marks and become dirty around frequently used areas.
  • Your loved one is noticeably less active. This may be a sign that they are fearful of falling.
  • Mom / Dad has fallen recently. Falls can be a strong indication of declining function and strength.
  • You notice recent weight loss. It may be that your loved one is having trouble preparing food. It may also be a sign of other medical complications.
  • You know Mom / Dad has memory loss or a diagnosis of dementia and / or Alzheimer’s Disease.
  • Your loved one finds it difficult to find the right words when speaking.
  • It’s difficult for your parent to understand what you are saying.
  • Mom / Dad has trouble swallowing food or pills.
  • Your loved one has trouble remembering things, solving problems or focusing since a recent hospitalization.
  • The speech of your loved one is often hoarse or sounds harsh.
  • Something feels wrong or different. You know those who are close to you – trust your instincts.

These situations can be addressed, and in some cases, resolved, with physical, occupational, and / or speech therapy. Sometimes privacy issues will cause him / her to hide the fact that their living situation is deteriorating – a trained therapist will recognize these signals during treatment.

Contact Us:

New Jersey locations:

Bloomfield NJ Physical Therapy 44 Park Street Bloomfield , NJ 07003 Phone: 9736852335 Email us

Clifton NJ Physical Therapy  - 1070 Clifton Ave 1070 Clifton Ave #1A Clifton , NJ 07013 Phone: 973-246-6565 Email us

Clifton NJ Physical Therapy  - 1700 Rte 3 West 1700 Rte 3 West #Grnd Clifton , NJ 07013 Phone: 862-591-1000 Email us

Fair Lawn NJ Physical Therapy  - Holsman Physical and Occupational Therapy 15-01 Broadway Ste 12 Fair Lawn , NJ 07410 Phone: 201-355-5199 Email us

Kearny NJ Physical Therapy  711 Kearny Ave Kearny , NJ 07032 Phone: 201-535-8555 Email us

Rahway NJ Physical Therapy 1600 Saint Georges Ave #107 Rahway , NJ 07065 Phone: 732-428-5566 Email us

Cedar Grove NJ Physical Therapy  408 Pompton Ave Cedar Grove , NJ 07009 Phone: 973-433-0732 Email us

Caldwell NJ Physical Therapy  378 Bloomfield Ave Caldwell , NJ 07006 Phone: 973-968-6002 Email us

Fair Lawn NJ Physical Therapy  - Holsman Children's Therapy Center 15-01 Broadway Ste 14C Fair Lawn , NJ 07410 Phone: 201-351-1682 Email us

Newark NJ Physical Therapy  1060 Broad St #Bsmt Newark , NJ 07102 Phone: 973-457-4232 Email us

Jersey City NJ Physical Therapy  361 Montgomery St Jersey City , NJ 07302 Phone: 201-932-2656 Email us

Paterson NJ Physical Therapy 764 Main St. Suite 401 Paterson, NJ 07503 Phone: 973-705-7255 Email us

New York Locations:

Bronx NY Physical Therapy - 817 E 180th St 817 E 180th St Bronx , NY 10460 Phone: 718-355-9652 Email us

Bronx NY Morris Park  Physical Therapy - 799 Morris Park Ave 799 Morris Park Ave Bronx , NY 10462 Phone: 718-684-6300 Email us

Brooklyn NY Physical Therapy  423 Lincoln Pl Brooklyn , NY 11238-5499 Phone: 347-708-9701 Email us