Growing old usually translates to facing a decrease in muscle strength, loss in bone density, body coordination, and stiffening of joints. These factors may often lead to falls and fractures in the elderly which has become a leading cause of their hospital stays. While exercising may feel like the ultimate solution to all these worries, it is essential to talk to a physiotherapist so that you could reap the benefits of reducing body pain, bettering the joints movement, assisting coordination and improving respiratory function, through physical exercise. While it is true that physiotherapy cannot reverse the process of aging, it can help in reducing the effect of it on our bodies. Physiotherapists are professionals, trained to recognize the aging factors in the elderly and help them get more active and efficient in their daily functioning. Exercising can also help to reduce risk on issues which are more likely to affect the aging adults.
In this blog, let us explore the 4 top benefits of physiotherapy on aging adults.
- Prevents Pain in Chronic Conditions: Older adults often face discomfort due to their conditions such as arthritis, or osteoporosis. The common factor in these chronic conditions is that there is inflammation of the joints, lack of mobility, weakness and instability performing normal activities. Through physiotherapy, you may restore the function of the muscles, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments.
- Enhanced Strength and Flexibility: Aging leads to decrease in strength and flexibility, which is a common complaint among the elderly. This condition can be further worsened if the older adult is suffering from other chronic conditions like neurological issues, endocrine issues, and musculoskeletal issues. Caused by degenerative changes occurring due to old age, there is further loss of muscle tone and stiff joints. In this scenario, a physiotherapist may help to reduce pain and increase mobility through their medical suggestions and advice. Decreased strength may be caused by thyroid disease, anemia, depression, lack of sleep (insomnia), diabetes, congestive heart failure, and side effects of medication. Physiotherapy also assists in reinstating strength and flexibility, also enhancing the quality of life in the patients.
- Instability of Posture and Impairment of Balance: Many older adults lose balance due to reduced functioning of muscles and bones. This may be due to arthritis, numbness in feet and legs, visibility problems, blood circulation issues, and intake of many medications. Physiotherapy treatment focuses on restoring balance through physical exercises and increasing mobility in the elderly suffering from neurological conditions such as ALS, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease or even a brain injury.
- Risk of Injury: Injury is extremely common in aging adults due to their instability. Inculcating physiotherapy in their daily life helps the individual gain enhanced mobility, balance, and combat muscle loss difficulties. Patients with cardiovascular or pulmonary history such as pulmonary fibrosis or COPD can benefit greatly from participating in physiotherapy regularly. It provides the individual with functional independence and helps them improve their endurance levels.
Physiotherapy is all about improving the quality of your life! It usually consists of exercises, workouts and Ultrasound, TENS, Shockwave therapy and other electric modalities. If necessary, muscle strengthening exercises are also recommended. If you’re considering following an exercise regime, or wish to enhance health, contact a Physiotherapist today to help guide your journey!
