This year, National Rehabilitation Awareness Week is September 15–21. With our newly relocated physical therapy department and an exciting aqua therapy program in the works, we have more to celebrate at John Knox Village of Central Florida than ever before.
For seniors in particular, physical therapy can be the key to maintaining quality of life, improving balance, preventing injury, and even avoiding surgery. Every day, therapists in our rehabilitation program help people move more easily, feel better, and live independently. We spoke with two members of our team, Kyle, a physical therapist, and Kayla, a physical therapy assistant, to get their perspectives on some of their techniques—and the exciting changes happening in our Orange City senior living community.
More central. More equipment. More rewards.
The physical therapy program at John Knox Village moved from our Oak Park building into our central gym earlier this year. This new, easily accessible location means residents don’t have to arrange transportation or navigate to a separate building; many can simply walk from their apartments.
The new space, part of the main campus fitness center, provides many benefits. It offers four NuStep® machines (up from one), additional upper body equipment, and expanded resources. These enhancements allow therapists to tailor sessions without long waits or substitutions. What’s more, residents using the gym who are not currently receiving physical therapy may now be more apt to inquire about these services for preventative care, especially since they are witnessing the results firsthand.
An added benefit of the relocation is that physical therapy patients can continue their independent exercise routines in the same familiar setting, with therapists nearby to offer tips or adjustments. Residents often stop by to ask questions, get help with equipment, or check in with our therapists, which keeps folks motivated to continue what they learned independently.
“There’s a natural path for follow-up because this is not just a dedicated physical therapy space where people come for a short period and then are expected to go to a gym-based setting by themselves,” Kyle shares.
Physical therapy: ongoing benefits for seniors
Despite popular beliefs, physical therapy isn’t just a tool used for recovering from an injury. For many seniors, it can improve strength, flexibility, and balance, helping to reduce fall risk. It can also ease chronic pain, enhance circulation, and build confidence in movement. Many of our patients are surprised to discover they can do more than they imagined, even regaining the ability to walk without assistance or return to their favorite activities. “It’s not just about recovery,” says Kyle. “It’s about helping people maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.”
In some cases, physical therapy can also be a powerful alternative to surgery, offering a non-invasive, lower-risk path to better mobility. “I’m anti-surgery in general,” Kyle adds. “Why not give six weeks of therapy a chance first? You may trade a short-term increase in pain for long-term improvement.”
Low-impact therapy. High-impact results.
As part of our continuing commitment to helping seniors live their best lives, John Knox Village will soon offer an additional approach to rehabilitation: the only aqua therapy program among area continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). And it’s right outside the gym for easy access.
Aqua therapy offers many benefits by using the natural buoyancy and resistance of water. “Many patients come in for physical therapy, and they’re worried about falling or that the exercises are too painful,” Kayla explains. “You don’t really have to worry about that in a pool. It’s low impact and the water has resistance, so folks can get strengthening and endurance training and a lot of the functional things that they probably wouldn’t be able to tolerate on land.”
The pool also provides a safe, supportive environment for those worried about falls or struggling with land-based exercises. “So many activities that feel too difficult on land become possible in the water,” says Kayla. “It opens the door for progress.”
The lasting power of physical therapy
Whether recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, preventing falls, or seeking to avoid surgery, physical therapy offers benefits beyond pain relief—allowing seniors to address movement issues before they become bigger problems and learn strategies and exercises tailored to their specific abilities and health conditions.
Physical therapy can also promote mental and emotional wellness by giving older adults the confidence to live their best lives. “A lot of our patients are dealing with medical comorbidities and chronic conditions, as well as spouses and friends who are going through the same challenges,” Kyle says. “Many life stressors come with aging, and they’re still finding ways to go about each day and do many of the things they were doing when they were younger. They’re so resilient.”
“We look at them like our grandparents sometimes,” Kayla adds. “It’s more than just a job. We care deeply about these people.”
Get started.
“Physical therapy can help everyone,” Kyle shares. “If you’re wondering whether it could help you, reach out. We’ll talk, assess, and help you decide the best next step.”
During National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, and every week, we celebrate the benefits of physical therapy, the passion of our incredible staff, and the resilience of our patients—people who show up, work hard, and inspire us with their determination. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or simply wanting to move more confidently, physical therapy can help you live the life you want at any age.
To learn more about the physical therapy or upcoming aqua therapy programs at our Orange City senior living community, call 386-775-3840.