Physical activity is crucial to a healthy lifestyle, especially as we age. Many senior adults, with or without health concerns, limit their physical activity for a number of reasons. This may result in an accelerated physical decline, an increased risk of accidents or hospitalizations, and decreased life quality. Physiotherapy can benefit individuals of all ages – but it is especially advantageous for the elderly. Here are some ways that physiotherapy can help you maintain your mobility as you age.
Managing Chronic Problems
Physiotherapists are professionals in managing chronic health problems. Chronic illness patients can safely and effectively retain their mobility with physiotherapy. Physical activity may be increased through personal exercise or group classes; however, physiotherapy improves physical activity safely and enjoyably plus has several advantages for older persons, including:
- Reducing mobility decline
- Keeping the capacity to carry out everyday duties
- Enhancing muscular strength, coordination and balance
- Reducing the likelihood of falls and injuries
- Improving overall disposition through preserving social ties
- Enhancing the patient’s feeling of wellbeing
- Improving life quality
Falls Prevention
Almost everyone is susceptible to falling occasionally. However, falls are more prevalent among the elderly (and can result in serious injuries). Each year, about one in 4 persons over 60 are hospitalized due to a fall. This proportion jumps to 1 in 3 for the more senior elderly.
Falls cause more than just injuries. Falls can result in a loss of confidence, an increase in worry, a desire to retreat, and a sense of losing independence. Physiotherapists are at the forefront of older adult fall prevention. Physios evaluate several risk variables including:
- Balance
- Vision
- Strength
- Cognition
- Walking aids
- Footwear
- Environmental dangers
This enables the physiotherapist to customize exercise regimens for each patient, including strength training, environmental adjustments, walking and gait retraining, and the correction of balance components. To guarantee a comprehensive approach, physiotherapists also refer patients to other practitioners.
Pain Management
A significant share of the older population suffers from persistent pain. Although it may seem logical to provide medicine quickly, the most effective pain treatment requires a multifaceted strategy. Here, physiotherapy can be of use.
Physiotherapists have vast pain management expertise. They do pain evaluations and recommend the most effective treatment strategies, such as a variety of manual therapy treatment modalities, particular exercise prescriptions, health advice and education. Chronic pain physiotherapists suggest specific exercises for patients with persistent discomfort. In addition, physiotherapists provide their patients with the information and skills necessary to manage their pain at home.
Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health
The capacity of physiotherapy to promote circulation by enhancing cardiac output and reducing blood pressure is an additional advantage of the treatment for elderly patients. In turn, this helps to guard against cardiovascular disease (and minimizes the risk of congestive heart failure).
Diabetes is a prevalent disease, especially among the elderly population. Diabetes affects almost 1 in 5 individuals over the age of 75. Diabetes risk is known to be decreased by physical activity. Exercise aids with the regulation of blood sugar levels for diabetic people.
Recovery After an Accident
Many seniors are concerned that they are not as solid on their feet as they once were. They may struggle navigating stairs and other barriers. As muscles weaken, joints stiffen and coordination decreases, the risk of falls and injuries that need a lengthy recovery period increases for the elderly.
By aiding patients with regaining physical strength and mobility, physiotherapists are skilled in facilitating a speedy recovery from various accidents. The exercises given during each session with your physiotherapist are designed to avoid falls and injuries over the long term.
Final Thoughts
Physiotherapy encompasses much more than just injury rehabilitation. You need not be injured or in pain to see your physiotherapist. Physiotherapists assist individuals of all ages and from all walks of life, regardless of their conditions. Physiotherapy provides folks approaching their senior years with an effective means of remaining active and maximizing their quality of life. Physiotherapy allows you to maintain your mobility and your health throughout your lifetime.
For more details, visit our website at fraserlifephysio.ca or call us in Langley at (778) 278-4755.