Geriatric Physiotherapy or Geriatric Rehabilitation is a brand of physiotherapy that addresses the various physical needs of older adults. With age, as various pain-related problems and underlying conditions start to surface, geriatric physiotherapy is crucial to help people live their golden years pain-free and healthy. It enables the elderly to improve their physical strength and balance, and further help maintain it. Geriatric physiotherapy also supports the community by building confidence and keeping them active.
As one ages, the body undergoes various degenerative issues, which leads to loss of strength in the muscle tone. This restricts flexibility and mobility and causes older adults to experience emotional and social functioning changes, affecting their quality of life and well-being. Geriatric physiotherapy is a holistic brand of physiotherapy that provides assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation for elderly people for various age-related challenges in musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, and respiratory areas of health.
An expert geriatric physiotherapist designs a specialized program for older adults based on their requirements. This process begins with an evaluation in which the expert administers a set of tests to ascertain the status of a person's current health, functional capabilities, medical history, limitations, and requirements. After this, they devise a personalized routine that includes exercises, pain management strategies, and injury prevention methods. They look to flexibility, balance, and mobility to improve their independence and quality of life. Physiotherapy for the elderly can also be conducted at home, which allows for increased comfort and convenience.
As a person ages, the risk of conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, cancer, joint weakness, stroke, and loss of body balance increases. Thus, geriatric physiotherapy is advantageous for older adults to receive specialized care and attention.
Benefits of Geriatric Physiotherapy for Elderly Individuals:
Geriatric physiotherapy effectively addresses various age-related conditions, such as joint pain, inflammation, or arthritis. It also helps deal with general weakness, postural problems, and neurological or musculoskeletal issues with age.
The joints connect the different bones within your body. Thus, It bears your weight and supports you during movements. Various factors, including joint lining inflammation, injuries, arthritis, hemarthrosis, and gout, cause joint pain. If left untreated for an extended period, it can impede mobility and introduce instability into daily life.
After a certain age, people are prone to face general weakness. The degenerative changes that come with age result in stiff joints, poor muscle tone, and more. This can worsen with other chronic conditions like endocrine, neurological, and musculoskeletal issues.
This is a condition where an older adult fails to maintain an upright position consistently. This is also characterized by imbalance and loss of righting reflexes, specific muscular responses to a stimulus. Geriatric therapy, like balance exercises, aids with improving postural instability and helps patients maintain optimal physiological health.
Balance impairment is a common consequence of old age and can lead to the loss of normal functions of bones and muscles in older adults. It is usually the result of arthritis and orthostatic hypotension. Other factors include numbness in the legs and feet, blood circulation issues, eye problems, and taking multiple medications. Geriatric Physiotherapy proves to be a beneficial approach for enhancing bone and muscle functions.
At an older age, the importance of physical activity to maintain good physiological health increases. Lack of physical activity in elderly individuals can lead to reduced muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, bone density, joint stiffness, poor balance, cognitive decline, increased risk of chronic diseases, reduced quality of life, increased healthcare costs, and loss of independence. To tackle these problems, physiotherapy for the elderly provides tailored interventions to improve physical function, mobility, and overall well-being in older adults, helping them maintain their independence and well-being. The capabilities and limitations of physical activity change from person to person. This is why a personalized plan is key to establishing goals and following a routine that best suits a person's requirements.
Geriatric therapy is a holistic brand of physiotherapy that focuses on specific requirements and overall health concerns in the elderly. Therefore, various treatments help people maintain good health in old age.
This therapy treats conditions like cancer, osteoporosis, arthritis, joint replacement, and balance disorders. This is usually a part of a more extensive specialized program. This therapy can be conducted in the comfort and safety of home.
In broad terms, orthopedic physical therapy helps treat musculoskeletal injuries and recover from orthopedic surgeries. It explicitly addresses orthopedic issues involving the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This is done with other therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques and can be conducted at home.
Cardiopulmonary physical therapy is very effective at increasing endurance and functional independence when a person suffers from cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions like a heart attack. This requires a specialized, long-term plan which includes various techniques and lifestyle adjustments, which can be done at home.
Under neurological physical therapy, treatment focuses on the body and brain to help patients suffering from neurological disorders like Parkinson's, ALS, and more. This is carried out by employing specialized techniques to help improve motor control, balance, coordination, and cognitive functions, which can be performed at home.
Old age does not spell an end to a happy, active, and healthy life. With geriatric physiotherapy, one can address issues such as balance, posture, weakness, mobility, and other musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary disorders. If you or your loved one is facing the effects of aging, let our expert physiotherapists provide a personalized plan to allow you to live your golden years to the fullest. Give us a call today: +91 89510 47001.
Geriatricians treat various conditions, including chronic diseases, cognitive impairments, mobility, balance and movement issues, cardio and pulmonary issues, and more.
Physiotattva has branches across Hyderabad and Bengaluru, where expert geriatricians can guide and support the elderly.
Geriatric Physiotherapy can benefit older adults by addressing issues with old age, including chronic diseases, cognitive impairments, mobility, balance and movement issues, cardio and pulmonary issues, and more.
Geriatric Physiotherapy can be provided both at home and in a care facility.
Yes, Geriatric Physiotherapy is generally safe for older adults with chronic health conditions, as it is tailored to their needs, medical history, and limitations.
At Physio Tattva, we are committed to bring access to quality physio care through ultra-modern clinics and high-skilled practitioners to all. Our world-class therapists keep a strong focus on patient needs and deliver the highest level of care.
