As we age our bodies naturally begin to degenerate leading to an increased susceptibility to physical pains, injuries and decreased mobility. As aging can cause musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular problems many older people find themselves frequently at the doctors to receive several different treatments. However, physiotherapy is a treatment plan that can be used to alleviate several different problems that arise in an aging individual. Furthermore, because it has little side effects it is often beneficial to try but only after consultation with a medical doctor.
According to physiotherapists, aging gradually reduces the efficiency of systems in the body, however optimal function can be maintained by consistent use of the bodies system at maximum compacity. As such, when treating the elderly individual, the physiotherapist's goal is to ensure their body's systems are used at maximal capacity to prevent their degradation and enhance the mobility of their patient. However, this is not possible in all cases and therefore the goal of the physiotherapist may be to simply alleviate pain for their patients.
Furthermore, physiotherapy has even been suggested for older adults as a preventative treatment. When consulting with a physiotherapist, they will perform an extremely detailed assessment of your history, current physical concerns and any mobility limitations you are currently experiencing. After the consultation the physiotherapist will generate their patients a detailed and personalized treatment plan to help their patients feel their best and to help prevent any future problems the patient may experience. Physiotherapy can help elderly patients in several ways including helping them maintain balance, strength, mobility and promote the health of the joints which wear of age. It can also be used to treat chronic pain which becomes much more prevalent with age. Lastly, physical therapy often increases the patient's general wellbeing and helps improve cognitive function which are at risk with increasing age. The length of treatment really depends on the goals determined by the physiotherapist and the patient, but continuous treatment is suggested. However, if this option is too unaffordable tell your physiotherapist as they can generate a treatment plan that you can do individually at home.
In conclusion, everyone will eventually age unfortunately, however certain side effects of aging can be alleviated by the treatment of physiotherapy. By ensuring the bodies systems are used at maximum capacity, physiotherapy prevents the degeneration of our bodily systems as we age. As aging can cause several different physical problems, physiotherapy is a useful treatment to alleviate several of these problems at a time. A physiotherapist will generate their patients a personalized treatment plan that addresses their main problems, mobility and medical history. As such it is always important to seek a licensed physiotherapist, after consulting with a medical doctor. Physiotherapy is also suggested to older adults as it may help prevent some of the problems they will experience when they become old. With physiotherapy, elderly people may be able to live an independent life longer and healthier while preventing the need for multiple hospital visits.