Best Physiotherapy Care for the Ageing

Posted: October 15th, 2023

Best Physiotherapy Care for the Ageing

Physiotherapy is a health profession that helps people of all ages to improve their physical function, mobility, and quality of life. Physiotherapy can be especially beneficial for older people who may experience various health challenges related to ageing, such as falls, stroke, arthritis, and frailty. In this blog post, we will discuss how physiotherapy can help older people to maintain or regain their independence, prevent or manage their health conditions, and enhance their well-being.

How Physiotherapy Can Help Older People

Physiotherapy can help older people in many ways, depending on their individual needs and goals. Some of the common benefits of physiotherapy for older people are:

– Preventing or reducing the risk of falls. Falls are a major cause of injury and disability among older people, and can lead to serious consequences such as fractures, hospitalization, loss of confidence, and reduced quality of life. Physiotherapists can assess the risk factors for falls, such as muscle weakness, balance problems, vision impairment, medication side effects, and environmental hazards. They can also provide interventions that are proven to be effective for preventing falls, such as stretching and strengthening exercises, balance training, gait correction, and advice on the use of walking aids or assistive devices.
– Managing or recovering from stroke. Stroke is a common condition that affects the brain and can cause impairments in movement, sensation, speech, cognition, and emotion. Physiotherapists are core members of the multidisciplinary stroke team that provides comprehensive care for stroke survivors. They can help to restore physical function, mobility, and independence through exercises, functional activities, electrical stimulation, and education. They can also provide guidance on secondary prevention of stroke, such as lifestyle modification and risk factor management.
– Improving or maintaining joint health. Arthritis is a group of diseases that cause inflammation and pain in the joints, affecting millions of older people worldwide. Physiotherapists can help to manage arthritis symptoms and improve joint function through various modalities, such as manual therapy, hydrotherapy, heat or cold therapy, acupuncture, and exercise. They can also provide advice on joint protection strategies, pain management techniques, and assistive devices.
– Enhancing or preserving physical fitness. Ageing is associated with a decline in muscle mass, strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. These changes can affect the ability of older people to perform daily activities and enjoy their hobbies. Physiotherapists can design individualized exercise programs that target the specific needs and goals of older people. They can also monitor the progress and safety of the exercise program and adjust it accordingly.
– Promoting or supporting mental health. Mental health is an important aspect of well-being that can be influenced by physical health and vice versa. Older people may experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, dementia, or cognitive impairment due to various factors such as chronic diseases, social isolation, bereavement, or stress. Physiotherapists can help to promote or support mental health through physical activity, which has been shown to have positive effects on mood, cognition, self-esteem,
and social interaction.

Where to Find Physiotherapy Services for Older People

Physiotherapy services for older people can be accessed in various settings depending on the availability and suitability of the service. Some of the common settings where physiotherapy services for older people are provided are:

– Hospitals or clinics: Older people who are admitted to hospitals or clinics for acute or chronic conditions may receive physiotherapy services as part of their medical care. They may also attend outpatient physiotherapy clinics for assessment and treatment after discharge from the hospital or referral from their doctor.
– Rehabilitation centers or nursing homes: Older people who require intensive or long-term rehabilitation may be transferred to specialized facilities where they can receive multidisciplinary care from physiotherapists and other health professionals.
– Home or community: Older people who have difficulty accessing physiotherapy services due to mobility issues or personal preferences may receive physiotherapy services at their own home or in their community. This may be provided by private physiotherapists or government-funded health services.

How to Choose a Physiotherapist for Older People

When choosing a physiotherapist for older people, it is important to consider the following factors:

– Qualifications: The physiotherapist should have a valid license to practice physiotherapy in your country or region. They should also have adequate training and experience in working with older people and their specific health conditions.
– Communication: The physiotherapist should be able to communicate effectively with you and your family or caregivers. They should listen to your needs and goals, explain the assessment and treatment plan, and provide feedback and education.
– Rapport: The physiotherapist should be respectful, compassionate, and supportive of you and your well-being. They should also be able to establish a good rapport with you and motivate you to participate in the physiotherapy program.
– Availability: The physiotherapist should be able to provide physiotherapy services at a convenient time and location for you. They should also be flexible and adaptable to your changing needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Physiotherapy is a valuable health service that can help older people to improve their physical function, mobility, and quality of life. Physiotherapists can provide a range of interventions that are tailored to the individual needs and goals of older people. They can also work collaboratively with other health professionals, family members, and caregivers to provide holistic and comprehensive care for older people. If you are an older person who is interested in physiotherapy or know someone who may benefit from it, you can contact your local physiotherapy clinic or service provider for more information or referral.

References

: Gasnick K. Geriatric Physical Therapy: Benefits, Tips for Older Adults. Verywell Health. 2021 Aug 18. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/geriatric-physical-therapy-5189469
: Physiotherapy and Older People. Physiopedia. Available from: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Physiotherapy_and_Older_People
: Stroke Association. Physiotherapy after stroke. 2016. Available from: https://www.stroke.org.uk/sites/default/files/physiotherapy_after_stroke.pdf
: Arthritis Foundation. Physical Therapy for Arthritis. Available from: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/physical-therapies/physical-therapy-for-arthritis
: How Physiotherapy Can Help Older People. The Physio Company. 2015 Feb 16. Available from: https://www.thephysiocompany.com/blog/how-physiotherapy-can-help-older-people
: Stubbs B, Vancampfort D, Rosenbaum S, Firth J, Cosco T, Veronese N, et al. An examination of the anxiolytic effects of exercise for people with anxiety and stress-related disorders: A meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res. 2017 Mar;249:102-108.
: Schuch FB, Vancampfort D, Richards J, Rosenbaum S, Ward PB, Stubbs B. Exercise as a treatment for depression: A meta-analysis adjusting for publication bias. J Psychiatr Res. 2016 Jun;77:42-51.