As people age, they go through many normal changes. Examples include reduced muscle strength and bone density, stiff joints, and increased body fat. These changes may impact the mobility and well-being of older adults. They may suffer from balance issues, which may increase the risk of falling and breaking bones.
Physiotherapy for the elderly is designed to increase their autonomy. While physiotherapy cannot stop the aging process, it can reduce the impact that aging has on the patient’s day-to-day life.
Regular physiotherapy from North York will reduce pain levels while also increasing flexibility, coordination, strength, and balance. Your physiotherapist will help you learn how to exercise in a safe, effective, and healthy manner. Each patient’s assessment and training is also personalized, as different people will have different needs and limitations.
Here we will delve into the many ways in which physiotherapy can benefit the elderly.
Physiotherapy and Different Health Conditions of Older People
There are many different conditions that are more likely to develop in older adults. For example, the elderly are at an increased risk of developing arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. They are also more likely to suffer from balance issues, which may increase the risk of a serious injury that can break or fracture bones.
If you suffer from any of the aforementioned health issues, then your physiotherapist will help you cope with your condition. The therapy modalities that they will employ will lessen the pain that you are in while also reducing the risk of falls in the future. They will help increase your overall fitness levels so that you will be happier and healthier, and will also help maximize your mobility levels.
In the end, their goal is to improve your overall quality of life and well-being so that you can live a long, healthy, independent, and fulfilled life. Their treatments may also reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, lung disease, as well as arthritis.
Types of Physiotherapy for Adults
Geriatric physical therapy is designed for older adults that are going through the aging process. Patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, loss of motion, arthritis, incontinence, and/or other age-related conditions or illnesses will benefit from geriatric physical therapy.
The programs that are administered are also tailored to the needs of the individual. The end goal is for the patient to perform their daily activities more easily. The patient will notice a reduction in pain levels and will see improvements in their mobility over time.
Orthopedic physiotherapy focuses on sprains, strains, pain, and fractures. The therapist will diagnose and treat such conditions and will educate the patient so that they can manage their issues while at home or work.
If you are suffering from a musculoskeletal disorder that is currently affecting your range of motion and flexibility, then an orthopedic therapist can help. Your therapist may treat you with stretching and balance exercises to start. They may administer gentle spine manipulation techniques and/or may implement cryotherapy.
In some cases, they may even administer ice, heat, and/or massage therapy as well. They may also suggest that you practice specific exercises while at home and that you use certain specialized ergonomic devices in order to accelerate the healing process.
Neurological physiotherapy focuses on treating conditions or ailments that affect the nervous system. Examples include stroke, sciatica, Parkinson’s disease, and various head injuries. Neurological physiotherapy will help rebuild neural pathways in the body. People who have recently undergone brain surgery will also recover quicker via neurological therapy.
Patients will also notice increased sensation and improved hand-to-eye coordination, balance, and motor control. Some patients may even undergo kinetic link training, as well as soft tissue treatments in order to help accelerate the healing process.
Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy focuses on diseases and conditions that affect the lungs, chest, and heart. Patients will be taught circulatory and breathing exercises, and may undergo resistance training. Patients may also be taught positioning that will optimize their lung expansion.
Some patients may suffer from shortness of breath or chronic cough that can make day-to-day chores or tasks very difficult to complete. If you suffer from a debilitating cardiac or pulmonary condition, then a cardiopulmonary physiotherapist will help you manage your condition so that you can live a fuller and healthier life.
How Physiotherapy Results in Recovery for Older Adults
Physiotherapy treatment has a wide array of benefits for young and older adults alike. One of the biggest benefits is the lowered risk of a serious injury. You will also be taught how to adopt a healthier lifestyle so that you can live a longer, happier, and more autonomous life.
If you suffer from a chronic condition that has affected your mental and physical health, then you can obtain relief via physiotherapy. Imbalance issues can be solved, which may reduce the risk of a fall that causes bleeding, bruising, fractures, sprains, strains, and/or broken bones.
Pain reduction is also a key benefit of regular physiotherapy, and, in some cases, you may not need to take any pain medication for relief. Many prescription drugs carry side effects, and some painkillers even have addictive properties. Physiotherapy is often seen as a holistic approach to pain management that does not involve potent drugs or invasive procedures.
Enjoying Life to the Fullest
Physiotherapy for older adults can help treat and reduce pain, maximize range of mobility, improve balance and coordination, and boost mood and happiness. Patients will also be taught how to exercise in a safe and effective manner and will notice increases in strength over time.
The end goal is for older patients to be independent for as long as possible. Patients who have recently undergone surgery, or those who will be having surgery soon, will benefit greatly from physiotherapy. If you are currently in pain or are dealing with a debilitating health condition, then consulting with a physiotherapist may help you find the relief that you need and deserve.
