In your or a loved one’s physical therapy journey, you have probably come across the term “ADL” and wondered what it entails. ADL, or activities of daily living, is an essential piece of physical therapy treatment that mitigates the effects of a wide range of neurological conditions and disorders. All physical therapists are fully educated in this area of recovery and have the expertise to implement strategies that return patients to normalcy. Read on to learn more about ADL, and how physical therapists use this group of activities in their treatment plans.
Official Definition
Activities of daily living are defined by physical therapists as essential daily tasks that most healthy and able-bodied people can perform without assistance. These are activities that most individuals would not consider physically strenuous or impossible to complete as often as necessary. The activities become difficult or impossible due to neurological conditions and injuries, and they can be re-learned using a variety of assigned exercises and techniques.
What are the essential activities of daily living?
There are two different groups of activities that fall into the category of ADL. Basic ADLs, or BADLS, are six activities that fulfill the criteria of being essential to independent daily living:
- Ambulating: This word encompasses a person’s ability to get themselves from point A to point B; it includes walking and shifting positions while sitting.
- Feeding: The ability to eat and drink by oneself is included in this category.
- Dressing: The ability to dress oneself in all types of clothing is an essential activity.
- Personal hygiene: This includes bathing, dental care, nail care, and hair care, among other activities.
- Continence: This is the ability to control bladder and bowel movements and function.
- Toileting: This is the ability to go to the bathroom, use the toilet, and wash up afterwards.
The second activities group is known as Instrumental ADLS, or IADLS. These activities require more advanced brain function, and they are equally important to a fully-idependent daily life. They include:
- Communication: Can patients manage phone calls, messages, and mail?
- Financial management: Can patients take care of financial assets and pay bills?
- Transportation and shopping: Are patients able to drive or use public transportation? Can they acquire essentials, such as groceries, on their own?
- Meal preparation: Can patients prepare sustaining meals for themselves?
- Medication management: This is crucial for most physical therapy patients in managing their associated symptoms.
- Housekeeping: Can the patient manage their own home?
How do physical therapists determine ADL needs?
Physical therapists conduct detailed ADL exams to determine the extent of a patient’s ability to carry out activities of daily living. Once they have gathered this necessary background information, they can move forward in developing an action plan for their patient.
If you or a loved one has undergone serious neurological trauma or are experiencing the disheartening effects of a neurological disorder, physical therapy is an essential practice to research and take part in. Core 3 Physical Therapy is a walk-in, easily-accessible physical therapy option in Pennsylvania. We’re prepared to provide physical and emotional support through every stage of recovery. Contact us through our website or give us a call today to learn how you can get started.
