Aging or getting old makes our body go through many physical changes. These changes usually cause a decrease in muscle strength, bone density, and body coordination and even make the joints stiffer, which sometimes can lead to falls and fractures. For elderly citizens, exercising may be the key to restoring and sustaining the physical function required in daily living. Exercise programs set by a physiotherapist can help reduce body pain, enhance the movement of joints, facilitate coordination, and boost respiratory function. Elderly people suffering from chronic diseases can also benefit from physiotherapy. Though physiotherapy cannot stop the process of aging, it can help reduce the impact that it has on our bodies. Physiotherapists are trained professionals identifying the factors preventing elderly people from being active and independent. Exercising regularly can also help reduce the risk and impact of illnesses that are more likely to affect older people. I will discuss the various conditions suffered by elderly people who require physiotherapy.
Conditions treated by Geriatric Physiotherapists
Geriatric conditions are susceptible to various illnesses, usually including musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary problems, mental illness, balance problems, and chronic pain. Physiotherapy treatment has been successful in managing each of these ailments.
Pain from chronic conditions:
Physiotherapy can help decrease discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis. Joint pain is usually caused by inflammation of the joints, injuries, arthritis, gout, etc. Left untreated for a long time, it can restrict mobility and lead to weakness or instability in performing routine activities. The physiotherapist's goal is to restore the function of the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments.
Improve strength and flexibility:
Due to aging, decreased strength and flexibility are among the most common issues almost everyone faces. Further, the condition can be worsened by the presence of other chronic conditions related to neurological issues, endocrine problems, and musculoskeletal issues. Degenerative changes due to old age include poor muscle tone, stiff joints, etc. A physiotherapist helps to alleviate pain and helps restore mobility. Some of the common causes of decreased strength are thyroid disease, anemia, depression, lack of sleep, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and medication side effects. Physiotherapy helps bring back strength and flexibility and improves patients' quality of life.
Postural Instability and Balance Impairment:
Balance impairment in the elderly is due to the loss of normal functioning of muscles and bones. It is most commonly caused by arthritis and numbness in feet and legs, eye problems, blood circulation problems, and the intake of multiple medicines. Physiotherapy treatment includes balance exercises to help improve the function of muscles & bones in individuals having neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, ALS, Parkinson's disease, or brain injury.
Risk of injury:
Physiotherapy helps to maintain stability. The physiotherapist teaches the patient to adapt to visual, mobility, balance, and muscle loss impairments to complete the activities of daily living efficiently. This awareness helps to reduce the risk of injuries and re-injury. Patients who have had a heart attack or have other cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease can benefit from physiotherapy by following a treatment regime that helps them to increase endurance and gain functional independence.
Prevention of risk of a fall:
Falls are the leading cause of accidents among aged individuals, resulting in bone fractures and other injuries. A physiotherapist can train the individual in techniques to prevent a fall.
Maintaining an independent lifestyle:
Recovery from pain due to an illness or injury allows the individual to lead an active and independent life for longer. Stretching and strengthening exercises are proven to be effective for older people. Patients with foot drop, spinal injury, and stroke are provided with walking aids to facilitate independent living. The therapist works with the patient to ensure that he/she can remain as independent as possible.
Physiotherapy treatment:
The physiotherapist aims to help and address the areas that require treatment. The therapist uses his/ her information to design a tailor-made program. The program includes strengthening exercises, range of movement (ROM), balance, and walking exercises.
· Physiotherapy includes exercises and workouts, as well as the use of electric modalities such as Ultrasound, TENS, dry needling, polychromatic light therapy, etc.
· Muscle-strengthening exercises are done twice weekly, one of the best treatments for osteoarthritis and bone health.
· Moderate-intensity activity like brisk walking is recommended.
· Strengthening exercises for muscles can be done against resistance using stretchy bands.
· Combination of moderate cardio, endurance, and balance exercises.
Benefits:
· Physiotherapy is vital for restoring functionality, reducing pain, and thus improving quality of life.
· Regular exercise improves balance, strength, coordination, motor control, flexibility, endurance, and even memory.
· Helps to maintain cognitive function.
· Reduces the risk of heart disease.
· Helps to maintain the ability to carry out activities of daily living.
· Improves mood and self-esteem.
· Reduces the risk of falls.
· Helps to reduce the impact of illnesses that are more likely to affect older people.
· Treats and prevents joint problems, balance disorders, risk of falls, and strength decline, and reduces high blood pressure and obesity.
· Physiotherapy benefits old people with stiff joints, ligaments, and body movement. Parkinson's disease, arthritis, and neurological problems.
· The therapy helps maintain mobility and independence.
· The therapy is a means of attaining coordination within the body systems.
· It also improves cardio-respiratory functions.
Physiotherapists can advise on how the exercises can be done safely and strongly recommend exercises for elderly patients as a part of a daily routine. This unique therapy is a proven methodology for elderly parents to exercise for as long as their health allows.
留言