Remember the annual fitness test in PE class?  Everyone racing around the gym hoping not to come in last?  Or struggling to do push ups with the whole class watching?  Yeah, we didn’t like it either. 

It’s intimidating.  And it’s why we work with you where you are most comfortable: at home, not alongside an aspiring Mr. Universe. 

But…

Are you a little bit curious how your fitness level compares to average at your age? Maybe

Would you like to know if the changes you are experiencing are typical? Possibly

Have you ever been told that growing older means growing weak? Hopefully not!

We offer a comprehensive fitness review that looks at strength, endurance, balance, flexibility and posture, all important parts to living vitally and aging optimally.  Every person is unique, and just like we all grew at our own pace, our bodies age at our own rate.  Genetics play a role, but some ~ actually many of the conditions we treat, including those related to falls, are largely preventable with a bit of education and some simple exercise.

“The Doctor of the future will give no medicine, but instead will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”  Thomas Edison

Great idea, Thomas! We’re working toward your vision.

Fitness Check in: what’s included

A 90 minute assessment, one-on-one with a physical therapist. 

We will discuss your medical history and review current medications. We will complete a series of short tests that research has shown accurately explain your function and predict your risk of debility.

Based on your individual results and how much support we decide together that you need, we can recommend appropriate follow-up including:

• Physical therapy or
• Community based wellness programs or
• Remote monitoring of your daily activity and weekly check ins to keep you motivated and moving or
• A home exercise program you understand and are excited to do to target your specific deficits

Turns out your phys ed teacher had the right idea though.  Just like you see your doctor and your dentist every year,  research strongly supports an annual fitness check in.  Who knew? Now you do. 

Sometimes we know we should do something, but don’t do it, like flossing our teeth every night before bed or using sunscreen on the first warm day of sun (which in Oregon might not happen until July)

But sometimes, we don’t do something because we don’t know. And we don’t know, because no-one has asked us the right questions.

So instead of asking simply, “How are you doing?”, let’s ask:

• Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking?
• Does a fear of falling keep you from doing things you enjoy?
• Have you fallen in the last year? Or come close to falling?
• Has your physician, or a loved one, recommended physical therapy?

If yes to any of these, you would likely benefit from a physical therapy evaluation.

A recent study found 84% of participants in a multi factor fall intervention program were referred to physical therapy, but 1/3 of them did not seek care because of transportation issues, cost incurred, or belief that PT would not be beneficial.

Say what?! Let’s break this down.

Transportation:

We understand that getting to and from appointments can be challenging for our clients. That is exactly why we are a mobile practice; we come to you.

Problem solved.

 

Cost:

Falls cost $34 billion- that’s 9 zeros- annually. But, what’s the price of missing out on a lunch date with friends, a grandchild’s soccer game, or not walking through crunchy leaves on a crisp autumn day? We believe the question becomes, how can you afford not to exercise?

**Click here to learn more about the cost of immobility**

In addition, skilled therapy is reimbursed by insurance.

 

Benefit:

Strength, flexibility, balance, and reaction time are considered the most readily modifiable risk factors for falls. That means YOU have the power to change your path! As experts in muscles and movement, there is no-one better qualified to travel the road with you than a physical therapist who specializes in the treatment of older adults.

“True genius resides in the capacity for Evaluation of Information.” Winston Churchill

Physical Therapy Evaluation:

A 90 minute one-on-one assessment with a physical therapist.

We will discuss your complete medical history and review current medications. We will test your baseline balance, strength, flexibility and exercise fitness. Together we will set goals related to what YOU want to be able to do.

“A schedule defends against chaos and whim.” Annie Dillard

Schedule:

We will set up a treatment schedule that fits your life, and also meets research based recommendations for effectiveness. You will see the same therapist every time so that together we will maximize your time and our knowledge of your body and YOU.

Typically this is 2x/week for 4-6 weeks. Sessions are 60 minutes and we bring everything needed right to you.

“Success is not final, it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill

Graduation:

We work hard together, and your success is our success. So even after you are finished with therapy, we are still on TEAM YOU.

We will build a home program that you understand and want to do with plenty of suggestions on how to progress as you continue to improve.

We can provide suggestions for community exercise classes and wellness programs.

If you know you’re the type who needs some friendly reminders, we can be a remote coach. We will keep you motivated by sending workout reminders and our monthly newsletter, as well as monitored fitness tracking.

“Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different?” C.S. Lewis

Fit For Life:

Research supports an annual Fitness check-in similar to seeing your dentist or doctor so that the gains you earned are the gains you keep. Mark your calendar!