Physiotherapy: Benefits Your Senior Loved One Will Derive

2 November 2016
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Physiotherapy refers to body movements that are designed to provide treatment for an array of musculoskeletal and joint problems. Typically, physiotherapy is associated with athletes as they are prone to acquiring injuries on a regular basis. Nevertheless, these are not the only group of people that are set to benefit from this treatment course. If you have an elderly loved one, you may want to consider hiring a physiotherapist for them for occasional treatment sessions. Not only would this treatment make them feel more comfortable in their bodies, but it can also enhance their overall health. Below are some of the reasons why physiotherapy is beneficial to seniors.

Physiotherapy can provide relief from arthritic symptoms

One of the ailments that affect a majority of the elderly is arthritis. As the disease progresses, moving your hip, knees and other joints in your body can prove to be quite painful. As such, you will find that seniors suffering from arthritis will be less likely to engage in any physical activity, as this will aggravate their symptoms. If your loved one suffers from arthritis, physiotherapy would be a great option to consider. Regular treatment sessions will improve their blood circulation. This, in turn, will reduce the amount of pain that they are under. Overall, not only will their joints be less inflamed, but also they will be able to increase their physical activity.

Physiotherapy can enhance their stability

Another symptom of ageing is your body becoming frail, hence losing some of the strength that you require to stay stable. This is why most seniors would prefer to spend their time seated, rather than up and about as they simply do not have the energy. Additionally, decrease stabilisation lead to an increase in the risk of falling, and this can be quite detrimental to brittle senior bones. Physiotherapy is an ideal way of trying to build strength in your loved one's muscles. This increases strength will also function to provide the senior with enhanced stabilisation. Granted, this does not mean that your loved one will be going out to run a marathon after undergoing physiotherapy. However, the treatment sessions will give them a boost in energy that would allow them to increase their physical activity.

Physiotherapy helps in post-surgery healing

If your loved one has had to go in for surgery, the recovery period could be long and arduous. This is especially true if they had bone replacement such as hip surgery. To aid them in the recovery process, you could opt for physiotherapy sessions. Firstly, increased circulation through this treatment will stimulate the body's cells. This will accelerate the healing process. Additionally, physiotherapy ensures your loved one gets some physical activity, thus decreasing the chances of muscle atrophy.