What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy provide movement and exercise, manual treatment, education, and counseling to those who have been injured, ill, or are disabled.
They support patients in managing pain and preventing disease, preserving health for people of all ages ( children, adolescents and adults ).
The profession enables people to continue working while assisting them in maintaining their independence for as long as possible. It also helps encourage development and facilitate recovery.
Physiotherapy for senior citizens
The benefits of physiotherapy for seniors are well established. However, a lot of people continue to believe that physical therapy is solely for injured athletes. In actuality, physiotherapy concentrates just as much on injury avoidance and mobility enhancement as it does on rehabilitation and repair.
Arthritis, back discomfort, joint pain, muscle stiffness, ligament damage, inflammation, and lack of mobility are just a few of the problems that seniors citizens may experience. Physiotherapy can be utilized as part of an all-encompassing wellness program to prevent, cure, or manage hundreds of aging-related conditions.
Senior citizens are more prone to problems with their physical, cognitive, and behavioral health. Their demands and difficulties are complex and particular, therefore they must be treated with the utmost care.
Cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal issues are frequently encountered in adults over the age of 60. Geriatric syndromes, which are some of the most prevalent health conditions seen in the aged, include:
- Urinary incontinence
- Frailty
- Hearing loss
- Cataract
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Dementia
- Ulcers
- Injuries related to falls and accidents
- Delirium
What are the types of exercises that help the elderly?
Your physiotherapy sessions will incorporate a variety of therapies depending on the problems you have and the intensity of their symptoms. Among the most popular kinds of senior rehabilitation exercises are:
Manual therapies:
These involve massaging the patient’s muscles and body tissues in an effort to help them unwind, increase blood flow, increase their flexibility, and relieve pain and suffering. Additionally, this covers manipulation that involves quick motions as well as mobilization, which involves using moderate movements to twist and pull joints.
Heat therapy :
This is a fantastic approach to loosen up tense muscles and increase blood flow. The elderly and those with illnesses like osteoarthritis that make them immobile will benefit greatly from this.
Cold therapy :
Assists individuals with bone illnesses like arthritis and other similar conditions by reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Electrotherapy:
A terrific approach to immediately relieve pain, electrical stimulation is helpful for stroke and arthritis patients.
Hydrotherapy:
Water aerobics is a fantastic technique to calm the body, enhance blood flow, and treat soft tissues.
What Types of Physical Therapy for Seniors Provide the Most Benefits?
Seniors may benefit from a wide variety of physical therapy treatments and activities.
Seniors should be urged to begin cautiously, listen to their bodies, and have patience as they go through the process of recovering, strengthening, and maintaining their health.
The most crucial action a patient should take throughout treatment is to take charge of their own care.
Maintaining independence
Senior citizens who receive physiotherapy can regain and maintain their mobility, balance, and level of physical activity. The key to maintaining an entirely autonomous existence at home may be physiotherapy. According to research, maintaining physical function also enhances psychological and social well-being, which in turn promotes general health. The longer people lead physically active lives, the longer they can live independent, healthy lives.
Recuperation from fractures
Physiotherapy for senior citizens also helps individuals who are healthy but inactive with their physical abilities and recover from fractures. Physical therapy helps patients progressively restore the physical strength and mobility they had previous to being hospitalized for a fracture or sickness. Therapists protect patients from future injuries and falls by teaching them mobility and balance exercises and procedures.
Strength Building and Stabilization
Patients can cut down on the period of time they are uncomfortable and unable to move around after surgery by receiving pre- and post-surgical physiotherapy. Prior to surgery, physiotherapy aids in ensuring that the body is healthy and prepared. The stimulation of circulation ensures that the cells and tissues receive the nutrients and oxygen they require to function properly. Physiotherapy is the ideal technique to gradually increase exercise and rebuild strength after surgery when the patient is recovering and needs to.
Treatment of Pain
Professional physiotherapy for senior citizens can lessen and relieve a wide variety of discomfort. Numerous types of pain, including neck and back pain, are frequently brought on by inadequate blood flow, stiffness, and insufficient exercise. Physiotherapy might be the ideal option for elders to resume physical exercise and boost circulation because it is safe and controlled. As a result, there is frequently less pain, more comfort, and more vitality.
Many elderly people receive physiotherapy to help with arthritis pain management. Hip, knee, and other joint arthritis can be extremely painful. Patients are less likely to move around and exercise when they are in pain, which simply makes the issue worse. Seniors who receive physical therapy for arthritis can improve their circulation and lessen their pain and its causes.
How can we assist you ?
We may maintain our strength and health as we age by engaging in physical activity, which is crucial. Physiotherapy for seniors is like to having a personal trainer who knows exactly what to do to make you feel better and stronger. We promote activities and services that support seniors in remaining as healthy and independent as possible as a senior home care provider. To schedule a home physical therapy appointment, contact us right away. All of our physiotherapists are devoted professionals and active members. We will visit your house and attend to your particular needs.
Credits: Affinity health , PORTEA, Medo lands physio