Roger Silva is the founder and owner of Live Well PT, LLC, a concierge physical therapy service for the client who wants a private one-on-one wellness program or physical therapy in the comfort of their home. He is a Licensed Physical Therapist with over 23 years working in homecare, outpatient, and inpatient facilities treating people with neurological and orthopedic impairments.
Roger is the former Director of Clinical Education and Professor at Connecticut State Community College Norwalk’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program. He received his Master and Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.
He is married with 2 children in college and works out of Norwalk. Needless to say he is an active athlete in pickleball and hockey.
Summary
Roger Silva, a licensed physical therapist with over 23 years of experience, delivered an insightful presentation on the importance of physical therapy, especially for older adults. As the founder of Live Well Physical Therapy, a concierge service providing one-on-one therapy sessions at home, Roger focuses on improving quality of life through movement, strength, flexibility, and injury prevention. His talk emphasized the critical role of physical activity in maintaining independence, preventing falls, and reducing the risk of conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis.
Roger explained that physical therapists (PTs) evaluate, diagnose, and create personalized treatment plans to address movement dysfunctions, whether due to orthopedic or neurological issues. He highlighted the benefits of physical therapy, which include restoring mobility, increasing strength, maintaining bone density, and enhancing flexibility. These factors are essential for preventing injuries and maintaining independence in everyday life.
One of the central themes of Roger’s talk was the importance of preventing falls, particularly for older adults. He explained that lower body weakness, vitamin D deficiency, and poor balance contribute to the increased risk of falling. Roger also touched on environmental risks such as slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting. He emphasized that regular strength and balance training can significantly reduce the risk of falling and the associated injuries, such as hip fractures and concussions.
In addition to injury prevention, Roger stressed the importance of reducing pain and minimizing the use of medications, particularly opioids. He advocates for addressing the root causes of pain through physical therapy rather than relying on painkillers. Roger encouraged the audience to engage in regular physical activity, even if it’s as simple as walking, stretching, or light resistance training, to maintain cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
He also addressed questions from the audience, offering practical advice on using canes correctly, the role of aggressive physical exercise in cardiovascular health, and the benefits of aquatic therapy for those with conditions like diabetes or arthritis. Roger concluded by reinforcing the importance of staying active, consulting with a PT for personalized exercise plans, and focusing on maintaining balance, strength, and flexibility as the key to enjoying a healthy, independent life