Physical Therapy Treatments For Adults With Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that can make daily life more challenging.

This is because there are a number of adverse medical conditions that accompany Down syndrome.

The good news is that Washington DC physical therapy is a great resource to help you reach and maintain your physical goals.

But, if you’re an adult with Down syndrome considering starting physical therapy, then there’s no time like the present.

You’ll want to make sure your physical therapist is a neuro physical therapist because of the genetic nature of your condition.

This way, you can be sure you’re working with a specialist who knows how to help.

Keep reading to find out more.

What Is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a condition where you are born with an extra copy of your 21st chromosome.

The result of this condition is often physical and mental developmental delays.

While this condition is life long, you can still have a healthy and full life with Down syndrome.

This is because of recent medical, cultural, and institutional advances that provide opportunities to overcome the challenges of the condition.

Types Of Down Syndrome

There are three main types of Down syndrome each with a slightly different genetic cause.

Mosaicism

Mosaicism is a type of Down syndrome that occurs when you’re born with an extra chromosome in some of your cells, but not all of them.

This type typically has the least symptoms compared to the following two types.

Translocation

Translocation Down syndrome is when you only have an extra part of chromosome 21.

It’s an incomplete extra chromosome 21 and can be attached to any one of your 46 chromosomes.

The severity of the symptoms depend on which chromosome this extra piece is attached to.

Trisomy 21

Finally, Trisomy 21 occurs when you have a complete extra copy of chromosome 21 in each one of your cells.

This is the most common form of Down syndrome, and typically the one with the most severe symptoms.

Signs Of Down Syndrome

Symptoms of Down syndrome appear in utero.

Some physical characteristic signs of a baby born with Down syndrome include:

• Noticeably small head and ears
• A bulging tongue
• Very flat facial features
• Eyes with an upward slant

These characteristics persist into adulthood and are often signs of the condition.

You might also have motor skills challenges and developmental disabilities if you have Down syndrome.

This includes:

• Impulsive behavior
• Poor judgment
• Slower learning capabilities
• A short attention span

There are a large number of medical complications that often accompany Down syndrome at any age including:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Chronic constipation
• Leukemia
• Hip and joint problems, like common dislocations
• Cataracts
• Hearing loss
• Poor vision
• Congenital heart defects
• Dementia
• Hypothyroidism

Finally, if you have Down syndrome, you are also more prone to infections like respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.

How Can A Physical Therapist For Down Syndrome Help?

There are a number of ways that your physical therapist can help you with Down syndrome.

Mainly, they’ll be a really important resource to help you:

• Improve your balance and coordination
• Gain strength
• Align and support your posture
• Improve physical fitness
• Learn movement skills which help you to function at your best

Starting physical therapy as an adult with Down syndrome is a huge asset to your health and longevity.

The first thing your physical therapist will do is conduct a full evaluation.

This will include information about your birth, development, general health, and any concerns you might have for them.

This evaluation will allow your physical therapist to create a custom treatment plan for you to target the areas they need to improve.

They can also suggest modifications to your home and work environment to help you thrive and succeed independently.

Physical therapy for seniors’ health is important, and since people with Down syndrome today tend to live longer than the past, your physical therapist will adjust their strategy as you age and address new issues that may arise.

They can suggest modifications to your home environment in order to help you maintain your independence and quality of life as long as possible.

This includes teaching you to effectively direct your caregivers during daily physical tasks if needed.

Book Your Appointment With Capitol Physical Therapy Today

You can see the variety of benefits associated with physical therapy if you have Down syndrome.

Like we said before, the best time to start physical therapy is now.

Capitol Physical Therapy has a variety of experienced professionals ready to support you as an adult living with Down syndrome.

Book your appointment with Capitol Physical Therapy today.