GERIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
Geriatric physical therapy covers a wide area of problems concerning the elderly. There are many conditions that affect people as they grow older and include but are not limited to the following: arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, hip and joint replacement, balance disorders incontinence, etc. Geriatric physical therapists specialize in providing therapy for such conditions and ailments. Physiotherapists play a key role in enabling older people to use a number of the body’s systems fully to enhance mobility and independence. Physiotherapists can make a difference by helping older people to be comfortable and pain free. The types of problems faced in geriatric physiotherapy are grouped into three different categories.
One category is the problems that happen because the patient simply does not use their limbs or does not exercise. These problems can be addressed by reconditioning through range-of-motion exercises and other exercises.
Another category geriatric physiotherapy deals with is cardiovascular disease, like heart disease and stroke. The physiotherapy professional has an array of tools at her disposal to work with these conditions. Exercise, aqua therapy, electrical stimulation, and more can be used.
The third category is skeletal problems. Geriatric physiotherapy helps people who have these disorders, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. These problems require special attention as osteoporosis makes patients frailer, and osteoarthritis is very painful.
The procedure is performed with the help of a suitable professional, the physiotherapist. The physiotherapist will teach and apply global exercises and active techniques to the elderly so that the patient gains mastery of new movements of his/her body and develop physical and mental balance. Currently, geriatric physiotherapy can be applied in three different ways: through hydrotherapy, mechanotherapy and kinesiotherapy (biomechanical movements). The elderly are treated much like anybody else in the sense that there is an initial treatment phase that will be medical or surgical, after which you will often be referred to a physiotherapist who will conduct their own assessment to establish how they intend to treat you. Their rehabilitation plan will vary hugely, depending on, for example, the condition itself, the patient and their mind-set, their home and family situation, as well as previous family history. For patients suffering from mobility issues, dementia, or with a history of falls, a physiotherapist is important in evaluating the home setting.
The goal of your therapist here is not to impose what they think is right on you, but rather to make adjustments that you are comfortable and happy with to allow you as much independence and safety as possible. While rehabilitating mobility, a physio will use traditional tools such as strengthening exercises and hydrotherapy in the context of geriatric care. For example, as falls are a major issue in the elderly, emphasis is placed on balance and postural improvements to minimize the risk of further falls, each of which carries a risk of critical injury. Hydrotherapy is also an important tool in rehabilitation of the elderly as underwater exercises remove unwanted stress from joints that are very prone to damage
Benefits may include:
Increased strength
Muscle movement training is used to strengthen muscles weakened by your condition or injury. Physiotherapists may focus on increasing muscle control and range of motion, as well as managing or decreasing spasticity (when muscles continuously contract).
Prolonged endurance
Gait training or re-training helps you develop easy and effective strategies for walking independently, on different surfaces and for a variety of activities. In some cases, mobility aids are incorporated to help with balance, posture and ease of movement. Physiotherapy treatments may involve teaching proper techniques for using these aids.
Better balance
Balance training works to improve your steadiness and confidence in walking and regular activities. When balance is improved, falls and related injuries are less likely to occur.
The procedure is performed with the help of a suitable professional, the physiotherapist. The physiotherapist will teach and apply global exercises and active techniques to the elderly so that the patient gains mastery of new movements of his/her body and develop physical and mental balance. Currently, geriatric physiotherapy can be applied in three different ways: through hydrotherapy, mechanotherapy and kinesiotherapy (biomechanical movements). The elderly are treated much like anybody else in the sense that there is an initial treatment phase that will be medical or surgical, after which you will often be referred to a physiotherapist who will conduct their own assessment to establish how they intend to treat you. Their rehabilitation plan will vary hugely, depending on, for example, the condition itself, the patient and their mind-set, their home and family situation, as well as previous family history. For patients suffering from mobility issues, dementia, or with a history of falls, a physiotherapist is important in evaluating the home setting.
Geriatric conditions usually include musculoskeletal problems, mental illness, incontinence, and impaired senses, balance problems, chronic pain, and sleep deprivation. Physiotherapy treatments have been successful in resolving or managing each of these ailments. Here’s what physiotherapy has to offer to the field of geriatrics. What are the conditions treated by Geriatric Physiotherapists?
1) Joint Pain
Joints connect bones within your body, bear weight and provide support during movements. Usually, joint pain is caused by injuries, inflammation of the lining of the joint, hemarthrosis, arthritis, STDs and gout. If the joint pain is left untreated for a longer time, it can restrict mobility and lead to weakness or instability to perform normal activities.
Geriatric physiotherapy is the best treatment to help reduce joint pain and improve the stability of the joints.
2) Generalized Weakness
Generalized weakness is one of the most common issues that almost every individual face post a certain age. One of the attributes to this is degenerative changes that come with age resulting in poor muscle tone, stiff joints etc. This is further worsened with the presence of other chronic conditions such as neurological issues, endocrine problems and musculoskeletal issues.
Some of the common causes of generalized weakness are flu, thyroid disease, anemia, and depression, lack of sleep, undiagnosed diabetes, congestive heart failure and medication side effects. Geriatric physiotherapy helps in bringing back the physical strength and stability, thereby improving patients’ quality of life.
3) Postural Instability
Postural instability is a condition of inability to maintain an upright position. In other words, it is the imbalance and loss of righting reflexes that are required to maintain an upright position. Geriatric physiotherapy such as balance exercises can improve postural instability and help patients resume back to their normal state.
4) Balance Impairment
Balance impairment in the elderly is the loss of normal functioning of muscles and bones. It is most commonly caused due to arthritis and orthostatic hypotension. Other factors causing balance impairment include numbness in feet and legs, eye problems, blood circulation problems and intake of multiple medicines. Geriatric physiotherapy treatment includes balance exercises to help improve the functions of muscles & bones.
Many neuro-rehabilitation programs, whether offered by hospitals or at private, specialized clinics, have a wide variety of specialists in many different fields to provide the most well rounded treatment of patients. These treatments, over a period of time, and often over the lifetime of a person, allow that individual and that person’s family to live the most normal, independent life possible.
Neurological rehabilitation physical therapy works to stimulate the nervous system through therapeutic activities and exercises, helping you to learn new ways to move. Treatment plans are unique to your condition or injury, focusing on improving cardiovascular function, strength, movement, balance and overall coordination. Physiotherapists help you optimize functionality in your current condition, as well as advice on ways to modify work and home spaces for safe, efficient and independent living.
Benefits may include:
Increased strength
Muscle movement training is used to strengthen muscles weakened by your condition or injury. Physiotherapists may focus on increasing muscle control and range of motion, as well as managing or decreasing spasticity (when muscles continuously contract).
Prolonged endurance
Gait training or re-training helps you develop easy and effective strategies for walking independently, on different surfaces and for a variety of activities. In some cases, mobility aids are incorporated to help with balance, posture and ease of movement. Physiotherapy treatments may involve teaching proper techniques for using these aids.
Better balance
Balance training works to improve your steadiness and confidence in walking and regular activities. When balance is improved, falls and related injuries are less likely to occur.