Restorative therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the restoration of losses due to injury, illness, or aging. The goal of restorative therapy is to maximize the patient’s independence and functional abilities.
The benefits of restorative therapy are not limited to physical rehabilitation but also psychological and emotional healing as well. Restorative care for seniors is a great way for people who are aging to maintain their independence and dignity.
Therapeutic spas and restorative care centers
Therapeutic spas and restorative care centers like the restorative therapy St. Louis are being established across the country to provide seniors with a place to relax, enjoy the company of other seniors, receive therapeutic treatments, and even receive beauty treatments.
Therapeutic spas offer a variety of services that can include massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and hair color treatments. The purpose of these facilities is to equip seniors with an opportunity to attend to their physical and mental health. These spas are often used as a way for elders to combat loneliness by providing them with socialization opportunities.
The benefits of these spas are many; they provide senior citizens with an opportunity for physical fitness through therapeutic treatments like massage therapy which can be difficult for some seniors who live alone or don’t have someone to massage them.
Non-invasive therapies vs. invasive therapies
Non-invasive therapies are non-surgical and do not involve cutting into the body. Non-invasive therapies have many benefits over invasive therapies. For example, they are often programs that promote healthy living habits such as regular exercise and stretching.
Other benefits include:
- Little or no recovery time compared with an invasive procedure
- Less risk associated with a medical procedure
- They promote independent living
Invasive therapies are invasive because they involve medical intervention requiring surgery, often under a general anesthetic. These types of therapies are inherently riskier and come with a recovery time that can leave the patient feeling they have lost some independence and mobility. However, they may be the only viable option.
A good restorative care plan can help a senior patient recover more quickly from the side effects of having undergone a surgical procedure.
The end goal is to preserve a good quality of life
Quality of life is a holistic concept that encompasses the physical, mental, and social well-being of an individual. It can be defined by the activities one does daily and the degree to which they enjoy them.
The sense of independence and mobility can be undermined by aging and lack of physical ability. Some elderly people might require some assistance to get through their day-to-day tasks such as bathing, dressing, dining, personal hygiene, or getting from one place to another. These activities can make them feel like their quality of life has decreased significantly because it limits their ability to complete such tasks on their own.
Restorative therapy can help seniors regain some if not all of their independence after an accident or illness. For seniors that have undergone medical intervention, restorative care should form part of an aftercare plan.
