As we age, it’s important to prioritize our physical health and well-being. One way to do this is through physical therapy, which can help us maintain our independence, prevent falls, and stay active and engaged in our daily lives. We have Corey Dupont as our expert. Let me say this again… WE HAVE COREY DUPONT on as our EXPERT!!! There is so much fun, laughter, learning and more fun happening while we explored the benefits of physical therapy for aging adults and how it can support active aging as well. Corey also shares with us the difference between Outpatient and In-Home Physical Therapy so you can choose which best fits YOU!
The Journey to Physical Therapy: Corey DuPont, a practicing physical therapist with extensive experience in orthopedic injury and recovery, chronic pain, and vestibular rehab, shares his journey into the field of physical therapy. While many physical therapists have personal experiences with their own injuries which leads them to work in PT, Corey’s path was more methodical. He discovered his passion for helping people while volunteering as a firefighter and decided to pursue a career in physical therapy. (Listen to the podcast to hear what he originally was thinking to major in. I was expecting him to bust out singing a song.) His expertise and dedication to his patients make him one of the best.
Understanding the Different Settings: When we think of physical therapy, we often envision a clinic with exercise equipment and treatment tables. However, there are different settings where physical therapy can take place. Corey explains the difference between outpatient therapy and in-home therapy. While outpatient therapy provides access to specialized equipment, in-home therapy offers the convenience of personalized sessions in the comfort of your own home, workplace, or even outdoors. This flexibility allows for one-on-one attention and potentially achieving outcomes in fewer visits. John and I both agree, the more we can do outdoors, the faster and more likely we are to do PT plus who doesn’t like more 1-1 time to get you healing faster!
The Concept of Active Aging: Active aging is all about staying physically and mentally active as we age. Corey shares the importance of remaining active and engaged in activities that bring us joy and the need to modify our activities as we age and adapt to changes in our bodies. Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay active, regardless of age. Funny thing, John and I recently started walking again and we really have felt the ease on our bodies and love that Corey suggest we are softer and kinder on our bodies while staying active. He also encourages us to find activities that suit our individual needs and abilities, whether it’s hiking, dancing, gardening, or any other form of movement that brings us joy. Dancing, yup that’s right! I love to dance and it is great for us. You can do it solo in your living room or out on the open road of traveling. It’s good for the heart and soul too.
The Role of Core Strength: Maintaining a strong core is crucial for overall physical health, especially as we age. Our core serves as the foundation for our body’s movements and stability. He emphasizes the importance of strengthening our core muscles to prevent back pain and improve overall balance. For women who have experienced childbirth, Corey acknowledges the need to re-strengthen the core muscles post-pregnancy at any age. He provides insights into how physical therapists can help individuals regain core strength and function.
Preventing Falls and Improving Balance: Falls are a common concern for aging adults and often lead to hospitalizations and a loss of independence. Corey shares the role of physical therapy in preventing falls and improving balance. He explains the three systems involved in balance: vision, sensation, and the vestibular system. By assessing an individual’s environment and conducting physical assessments, physical therapists can identify potential hazards and develop personalized plans to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. Corey also showed us a cool tip of how to retain our vestibular sense. Wanna know what it is? It’s simple. Nod your head up and down and side to side as if you were saying yes or no to someone. Sounds so simple huh? Yet effect. Give it a try.
Physical therapy plays a vital role in supporting active aging and maintaining independence as we grow older. By working with a skilled physical therapist, we can address specific physical challenges, improve balance, strengthen our core, and prevent falls. Corey DuPont’s expertise and passion for helping aging adults make him an invaluable resource in the field of physical therapy. So, let’s embrace the journey of aging gracefully and prioritize our physical health with the help of physical therapy.
Remember, it’s never too late to start taking care of your body and enjoying an active and fulfilling life. Stay active, stay engaged, and let physical therapy be your partner in the journey of aging gracefully.
If you enjoyed this conversation with Corey Dupont as much as we did, visit his website, DuPont Wellness. Follow his social media – Facebook: https://facebook.com/DuPontWellness, LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/corey-dupont-pt-dpt-915ba8ab/
Book a therapy session here.
Don’t forget to share with your friends the tips you learned!
John & Erin
