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 mindset, 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 the rehabilitation of the elderly as underwater exercises remove unwanted stress from joints that are very prone to damage

Geriatric conditions usually include musculoskeletal problems, mental illness, incontinence, 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?

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.

Generalized Weakness
Generalized weakness is one of the most common issues that almost every individual faces post a certain age. One of the attributes of this is degenerative changes that come with age resulting in poor muscle tone, stiff joints, etc. This is further worsened by 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, depression, lack of sleep, undiagnosed diabetes, congestive heart failure, and medication side effects. Geriatric physiotherapy helps in bringing back physical strength and stability, thereby improving patients’ quality of life.

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.

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.

Geriatric physical therapy is a proven means for older adults to improve mobility and balance, build strength, boost confidence in their physical abilities, and nonetheless, remain active over years. However, some of the work of geriatric physiotherapy is not aimed at returning patients to their earlier states of health. The most important goals are to be able to function at their best abilities. Doing everyday tasks and living an unconfined life are valuable assets. At the same time, geriatric physiotherapy can have a profound effect on a person’s ability to enjoy physical activities. Golf is an activity that many seniors enjoy. It can be a very hazardous sport for the elderly if they are not in a condition to play. It does have many health benefits, too.

Geriatric physiotherapy can focus on physical training to get an older adult in shape to play sports like golf. This strengthens them in many ways. The fact that it allows them to play golf will make them even healthier, both physically and psychologically. Since depression is a growing problem among the elderly, any help they can get in this area is needed. Another role of geriatric physiotherapy is to help with rehabilitation after knee or hip replacement surgeries. People who have these operations are likely to walk differently. It affects their ability to do daily chores and their quality of life.