physiotherapy and mobility treatment for the elderly

As a child, our whole life is ahead of us and we walk around without a care in the world, thinking that 40 is old!

But as we grow and realise 40 is where life starts, we breeze through the decades but our bodies begin to change.

Some of these changes are mild and indicative of gracefully growing older, yet some are more severe and in some cases can be debilitating. Routines can become harder to manage and aches and pains are increasingly recurrent, causing mobility problems in older people.

Just because we’re elderly, doesn’t mean we have to give up and sit in a corner somewhere! With the right treatment, education and advice, we can continue to enjoy our lives, loved ones and the world around us.

Today, we will discuss the benefits of physiotherapy rehabilitation for the elderly and explore how it can assist in reducing pain, overcoming conditions, plus restoring routines and independence.

What is physiotherapy for the elderly

Physiotherapists have an important role in preventing disease and disability, treating current conditions and managing care. Unlike physio treatment for adults, when treating older people, they can present unique challenges requiring complex care.

An elderly patient may have musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular issues that affect their medical, psychological, rehabilitative capacity, plus cause social and economic problems.

These special circumstances need careful analysis, judgement and planning to ensure the best and most appropriate care is provided.

Elderly care physiotherapists have acute knowledge in the assessment, treatment and long-term management of older people in their homes, hospitals or care homes. Possessing a wide range of skills to benefit many of the conditions suffered by elderly people.

How can physiotherapy for the elderly help

Elderly people can suffer from a wide range of medical conditions. Physiotherapy rehabilitation for the elderly is extremely useful for those who have experienced or suffering from the following:

• Cardiovascular (heart disease and angina)
• Dementia and frailty
• Decreased muscle weakness and coordination issues
• Falls
• Joint problems or replacement
• Neurological conditions (Stroke, Parkinson’s disease)
• Osteoporosis
• Osteoarthritis (and other arthritic conditions)
• Reduced mobility

Undertaking regular physiotherapy can improve the lives of the elderly greatly. Alongside a better quality of life physiotherapy rehabilitation for the elderly has numerous benefits such as:

• Regain independence
• Improved pain reduction
• Maximising safety
• Restored confidence

Elderly care physiotherapists can assist you (or somebody in your care) to greatly improve overall health and functional capabilities. You may wish to consider physiotherapy rehabilitation for the elderly in the following circumstances:

• Recently been discharged from hospital
• Have had a fall or are at high risk of falling
• Pain is limiting functionality
• Undergone surgery
• Deterioration in mobility

If you are a family member or carer, Which? Provides useful resources with free, independent and practical advice on caring for older people in the UK.

How to access physiotherapy rehabilitation for elderly

Due to the pandemics of contact limitations and patient access for those with mobility issues; the effectiveness of virtual physiotherapy has been investigated.

To ensure that everyone is able to benefit from health services, these are some ways in which physiotherapy sessions may be delivered digitally:

• Email
• Chat/messaging
• Video consultation
• Online exercise

It is important that as many people as possible are able to access our services efficiently, safely and appropriately. To achieve this we work closely with you (and family/carers) to offer relevant services to accommodate your needs.

Though there are times that physical sessions and manual therapy is necessary, virtual physiotherapy for the elderly has proved a success. Some of the recorded advantages of providing such sessions are:

Key Benefits of Virtual Treatment

• The convenience of remaining in your own surroundings
• You (or family/carers) do not have to book time off of work
• Videos can be accessed after your session
• Results can be documented in a digital, visual format for review

Is physiotherapy for the elderly right for me?

Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, at CK Physio we understand the importance of choosing the right physiotherapy treatment.

Before treatment begins an initial assessment will be carried out to explore and clarify the following:

• Main health conditions
• Impairment (body and function)
• Activity limitations
• Participation limitations
• Environmental factors
• Personal factors

What is ICF? (icfeducation.org)

Alongside this, we discuss your medical/surgical and medication history; and enquire about your support network. This is not to be intrusive but to make sure that you have the correct treatment and support provided to achieve your goals.

Although physiotherapy treatment mainly concentrates on your physical condition or abilities, great care is taken when dealing with older people to ensure that your social and emotional well-being is also taken into consideration.

As we get older, fear can present itself and prevent us from getting optimal results. As dedicated physiotherapists, our job is to help you through, putting your mind at ease.

Treatment can include a variety of methods and applications in the following:

Geriatric physiotherapy

Conditions:arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, joint replacement and balance disorders

Helps:restore mobility, increase fitness levels and reduce overall pain.

Orthopaedic physiotherapy

Conditions:musculoskeletal injuries, orthopaedic surgeries

Helps: restore function to the muscles, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments.

Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy

Conditions: heart attack, cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions

Helps:increase endurance and functional independence.

Neurological physiotherapy

Conditions: Stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease (or suffered a brain injury)

Helps:to adapt to visual, mobility, balance and muscle loss impairments

Here to talk

Whatever your requirements or situation, look for a chartered physiotherapist to cater for your needs.

At CK Physio, we’re ready and waiting to help you find the best treatment options to facilitate physiotherapy rehabilitation for the elderly.

Use our online booking form to arrange a virtual consultation with yourself and a family member/carer to discuss how we can help you move towards your goals, gaining confidence and having the quality of life you deserve.

CK Physio also offers home visits for those who have mobility issues or difficulties in attending our clinic. For more information on how we can assist you, please get in touch today.