Physiotherapy for adults and its benefits

Physiotherapy for adults and its benefits

8 reasons to seek physiotherapist.

 What is physiotherapy?

As we age, there are changes in our bodies such as changes in our vision, our ability to balance, muscle strength, blood pressure increases, decreased coordination, painful joints – the list is long. Over time, climbing stairs, long distances, or carrying heavier luggage after shopping begins to seem like an insurmountable challenge. Usually, these changes occur slowly and gradually and adults cope with them by adapting. However, these changes should not be taken entirely as an inevitable part of aging. Imagine if these changes come quickly or face several challenges at once. This can negatively affect our independence and mobility.

That is why it is good to seek help when we feel the first changes, without reassuring ourselves that the years have an impact. Physicians usually recommend physiotherapy, although most people in our country do not know or do not believe in the ability of physiotherapy to prevent the sudden onset of these changes in the body or to help cope with pain. Physiotherapy is a complex method – includes exercise, massage, treatment with electricity of different frequencies, with a magnet, ultrasound, laser and other device methods, treatment with light, water, and other natural factors such as mud, paraffin, etc., heat and cold treatment – everything tailored to the needs of the patient.

Physiotherapy can do a lot to prevent the deterioration of the abilities of our loved ones and to limit the impact that disease and aging have on their lives.

How?

Here comes the role of physiotherapy, although many people still see it as a necessity only for athletes who need recovery after a heavy muscular load. This is a myth that it is time to dispel. In fact, physiotherapy is just as focused on preventing injuries and increasing mobility as it is on recovery.

Physiotherapists play a vital role in working with the elderly. Thanks to them, diseases and injuries can be prevented and current conditions can be treated. They can identify the problems that have the greatest impact on someone’s life and help them work to improve their condition, which leads to a better quality of life and independence. There are hundreds of problems associated with aging (some of which are arthritis, back pain, joint pain) that can be prevented, treated, or managed through physiotherapy as part of a comprehensive wellness regimen.

Unfortunately, we cannot consider all the benefits of physiotherapy, but we will pay attention to the eight best ones, for which it is recommended, and for some even mandatory, to seek a physiotherapist:

Treatment of pain

As mentioned above, the pain usually increases with age – be it in the waist, back or joints. This is usually the result of tight or weak muscles, limited blood flow or excessive stagnation. The advantage of physiotherapy is that it can increase blood flow, flexibility, and mobility.

Safe exercises

Exercise is important for people of all ages, but can also be a risk for older people, especially those with heart disease, osteoporosis, or other common health problems. Physiotherapy is the ideal way for older people to train under the careful guidance of professionals. This reduces the risk of injury.

Builds strength and stability

Slips and falls are dangerous at any age but are especially common and dangerous for the elderly. Physiotherapy helps older people build the strength and stability needed to live a life without fear of falling or slipping.

Social environment

Physiotherapy is also a social experience. Adults will work individually with a physiotherapist who is dedicated to helping them achieve their goals – to be healthy, confident, and able (depending on the condition) to cope on their own.

Possibility for non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical treatment

Physiotherapy is an excellent non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical therapy. Building strength and flexibility will help treat a number of problems, as well as prevent injuries (and thus prevent invasive treatments that may be needed over time). Another factor to keep in mind is that painkillers (even over-the-counter options) can sometimes interfere with other medications taken for chronic conditions.

Before and after surgery

Of course, no matter how much we try to protect the health of relatives – sometimes surgery is inevitable. Physiotherapy also helps in recovery after surgery and can build the necessary strength before it. Exercise of all kinds protects and improves cardiovascular capacity and blood circulation. Post-surgery physiotherapy will help patients regain strength and mobility.

Mental health benefits

Exercise has established benefits for mental health. For the elderly, maintaining mental health is just as important as physical health, as it can relieve anxiety and depression by releasing endorphins (the hormone of happiness).

Independence

Being independent is key to the quality of life, dignity, and happiness of our elderly relatives. Effective physiotherapy can protect them from a wheelchair or other aid in time, and even keep them behind the wheel longer if they drive.

 It is never too late or too early to start physiotherapy or recommend it to relatives or friends. Very soon, in 2022, the rehabilitation hospital in Blocks will be ready, with which the campus will close its cycle of services in the care of the elderly. The hospital will be a place of recovery, offering the latest world technologies in the field of rehabilitation. Our vision is to become the most modern rehabilitation center in Southeast Europe, including a hospital with 100 beds and a center with a focus on rehabilitation services.