As we age, our bodies naturally go through a process of decline, which can lead to a reduction in mobility. Elderly adults are likely to experience joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and other mobility issues that make it a lot more difficult to move around than they were once used to. Unfortunately, this can lead to challenges and difficulties that affect their everyday performance, from simple tasks such as getting dressed, to getting up to use the washroom. More importantly, it can greatly reduce independence and quality of life. Lifestyle and environment can also exacerbate wear and tear on joints and tissues and increase the potential for more severe mobility challenges.
Physiotherapists are trained to help people with all kinds of physical issues, including pain and mobility problems, while reducing the risk of future injuries. They will educate you on your current mobility status and factors contributing to any declines in mobility, and develop an exercise program to help people improve their strength, balance, endurance, and reduce pain and stiffness that occurs in the joints and muscles. The physiotherapy services they deliver are not limited to treating conditions; instead, they emphasize prevention, which can play a significant role in the body’s natural aging process. The overall goal of physiotherapy in this regard aims to ease age-related pain, maintain mobility, and restore functionality – all of which are important for maintaining optimal physical and mental health as you grow older.
Here are some applications of physiotherapy as you get older:
Physiotherapy for Common Age-Related Conditions
With age, it’s natural to experience some changes in your body. These changes can include:
- Reduced flexibility
- Muscle weakness/stiffness
- Joint pain
- Reduced sense of balance
- Tiredness, achiness
Some common older adult conditions that physiotherapists can help you manage are osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, vertigo, neurological conditions, cancer, and incontinence. Some of these conditions can be treated with variations of physiotherapy before your body begins to show any symptoms of aging. This can include improving your bone health and decreasing bone loss, increasing your range of motion, diagnosing your pre-existing conditions, and working on your musculoskeletal and neurological system.1
Additionally, physiotherapists may provide you with personalized advice and lifestyle changes that can help manage these conditions, such as healthy eating habits and regular exercise habits that you can do at home. A physiotherapist takes their time to understand how your body moves, your specific health concerns or conditions, and will create a plan that fits your needs. This is especially helpful for older adults as physiotherapists can find and prevent small problems that might become bigger issues down the road.
Physiotherapy to Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Physiotherapy can help reduce pain and inflammation you may be experiencing related to aging. It's a great way to prevent and manage conditions like arthritis, back pain, flexibility or mobility issues, muscle weakness or stiffness, and joint pain. With increased pain related to these conditions, it becomes less likely that you will continue to engage in physical activity which will perpetuate both pain and lack of function. Your body needs activity and movement for blood circulation and joint lubrication. Giving your body the movement it needs is a great way to maintain functional mobility in the years to come.
When physiotherapy becomes a part of your lifestyle, this progressive method helps decrease pain and inflammation, while preventing and managing common age-related conditions. Remember, exercising will keep your body strong throughout your life and will discourage health problems from occurring in the first place!
Physiotherapy to Live More Independently
Physiotherapy offers a significant advantage by helping your body remain in optimal condition through consistent effort, especially as you age. By focusing on strength and endurance training, physiotherapy can help increase, maintain, and prevent decline in your joints so that you can continue engaging in essential daily tasks and activities that you enjoy. This can include moving around your home independently, showering, or participating in social activities outside of your home such as sports or dancing.
Every year, one in four older adults fall, which can cause broken bones, head injuries, and other problems.1 This is especially difficult for the elderly as it can make it harder to move around and live independently. As falling is a common accident that poses a higher risk with age, it is worth considering improving balance through physiotherapy as a preventive measure against injuries. When you improve your strength and balance, you are increasing your ability to maximize your independence and attain a better quality of life.
Physiotherapy to Improve Your Mental Health
As people age, it is not uncommon to be faced with depression or anxiety related to physical limitations or chronic conditions. Although it’s sometimes overlooked, physiotherapy can be a useful method of therapy to improve your mental health, as it promotes positive coping mechanisms and cultivates a sense of independence. Exercise, which is a key component of physiotherapy, also provides a positive outlet for stress and anxiety and can improve your overall mood and well-being. Overall, physiotherapy can help you proactively manage your mental health and maintain a positive outlook on life.
Physiotherapy can be an essential tool for maintaining health and well-being throughout your life. By engaging in this active form of therapy, you can give your body a chance to alleviate age-related pain, maintain mobility, enhance functionality, and promote your best physical and mental health!
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Sources
- The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Older Adults. WebMD. 2022. [Link]