As we get older, our bodies go through all kinds of physical changes. While these changes are a natural part of your life, you don’t have to let them take it over. Many Baby Boomers are at the age where they may need assistance getting around or performing daily household tasks. Their joints are not as strong anymore, and muscle weakness can lead to falls or worse. If you’re older and are physically slowing down, it may be time to consider the benefits of physiotherapy.
Why aging adults should see a Brampton physiotherapist
While the physical changes of aging may be similar from person to person, the severity, extent and rate of change will differ. Older folks may go through numerous changes—an increase in body fat, a decrease in muscle strength, coordination issues, stiff joints and lower bone density, for instance—all of which have an effect on mobility and balance. If you fall, no matter how insignificant it may seem, you run the risk of broken bones or torn ligaments that will take a long time to heal.
Luckily, there is a way for aging individuals to regain proper mobility and bodily strength through physiotherapy. Physiotherapy offers many benefits, including restoring or improving physical movement and balance, and also provides an opportunity for maintenance through ongoing therapy. Another advantage is that you’ll get all or some of your independence back, which can improve your overall wellbeing.
The ways physiotherapy can help older people
Older folks need to see a physiotherapist, not a personal trainer at the gym, to work on regaining their physical strength. Additionally, physiotherapists can give professional advice on safe exercises to help improve motor control, strength, balance, flexibility, and even memory:
- Improve strength and balance: Like many other aging people, you might have a fear of falling and not being able to get back up. Through the right exercises recommended by a physiotherapist, you can begin to see an improvement in your strength and stability.
- Help with pain management: Neck, back and other types of body pains are often the result of stiff muscles and joints, poor circulation and a lack of physical activity. When you take advantage of physiotherapy, you’ll see an increase in your physical activity, a reduction in joint stiffness and improved circulation, all leading to a reduction in pain and an increase in comfort.
- Get ready for or recover from surgery: Just as younger people may prepare for surgery to repair a sports injury, older patients too can benefit from pre- and post-surgical physiotherapy. Before surgery, it can help increase circulation and get oxygen and nutrients moving to tissues and cells, ensuring the patient is healthy enough to undergo a surgical procedure. Physiotherapy after surgery works to slowly bring back a person’s range of motion and safely help them regain their strength.
- Regain independence: Nobody wants to lose their independence. This is why aging individuals should consider physiotherapy sessions to help them maintain an active lifestyle. Daily tasks will not be as difficult, and you will feel more comfortable completing things on your own.
If you would like to speak with a professional Brampton physiotherapist, call Paramount Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic to schedule an appointment. We will tailor sessions and exercises to your individual needs so you can start feeling like yourself again. Contact us today to learn more!