The effectiveness of physiotherapy has been well documented and studied. There is a large proportion of evidence to suggest that physiotherapy will assist in a person’s recovery and overall quality of life. As we grow older our bodies usually experience a decrease in muscle strength, bone density, body coordination, and even stiffer joints, which sometimes can lead to falls and fractures.

Exercise may be the key for bringing back and sustaining the physical function required in daily living. Exercise programs set by a physiotherapist can help in reducing body pain, enhancing the movement of joints, facilitating coordination, and boosting respiratory function.

Older individuals suffering from chronic diseases can also obtain benefits from physiotherapy.

Though physiotherapy cannot stop the process of aging it can help to reduce the impact that it has on our bodies. Exercising on a regular basis can also help to reduce the risk and impact of illnesses that are more likely to affect older people.

Conditions Where Physiotherapy Treatment is Helpful

Physiotherapy treatment can be helpful in dealing with the following conditions:

• Changes in Posture and Balance Instability – Balance impairment as we age is due to the loss of normal functioning of muscles and bones. It is normally caused due to arthritis and numbness in feet and legs, eye problems, blood circulation problems, and intake of multiple medicines. Physiotherapy treatment includes balance exercises to help improve the function of muscles & bones in individuals having neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

• Stability Decline – Physiotherapy helps to maintain stability. The physiotherapist teaches the patient to adapt to visual, mobility, balance, and muscle loss impairments to easily complete the activities of daily living. This awareness helps to reduce the risk of injuries and re-injury. Patients who have had a heart attack, or have other cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions can benefit from physiotherapy by following a treatment regime that helps them to increase endurance and gain functional independence.

• Risk of Falling – Falls are the leading cause of accidents among aged individuals, in fact 1 out of every 4 older persons falls each year.These falls often result in bone fractures and other injuries. A physiotherapist can train the individual in techniques to prevent a fall.

• Maintaining Independence – Recovery from pain due to an illness or injury allows the individual to lead an active and independent life for a longer period of time. Stretching and strengthening exercises are proven to be effective for older people.

• Reducing Joint Pain and Restoring Mobility – Movement is dependent on the range of motion of the joints of the body. Range of motion can be limited by either the joints themselves or by the muscles, nerves and connective tissue that surround the joints. There are different conditions that lead to the joints feeling stiff and painful as well as limited mobility. Physiotherapy treatments such as certain electric modalities, muscle-strengthening and stretching are good options for reducing joint pain and improving range of motion.