As people reach older adulthood, it is common for them to notice that their muscles and bones are not as strong as they used to be and that their gait has slowed down. In addition, if they have experienced a fall or injury, they may feel less confident when moving around or performing various movements.
Physiotherapy or physical therapy attends to these types of situations experienced by older adults. This "consists of the treatment of different diseases under the use of physical and mechanical means, according to the previous evaluation of the patient's own abilities and conditions to improve the patient's musculoskeletal function" (Physical therapy or physiotherapy, 2022).
Some of the objectives of specialized physical therapy for older adults are the following (Somos fisioterapia, n.d.):
-To make the older adult increase his confidence in his locomotor abilities: some of these are walking, climbing, descending, etc. Many of them can generate fear in the elderly person after a fall, so through the different procedures it is expected that he/she can gradually regain his/her locomotor skills, with the supervision of the specialist.
-To preserve or regain autonomy in activities of daily living, so that the use of supports decreases and the older adult performs daily tasks on his or her own. This depends on the person's physical and cognitive status. Realistic goals are set that represent a level of autonomy that the older adult can reach.
-Increase joint mobility and muscle strength to perform specific tasks such as carrying an object from one side to another. Also, from physiotherapy can reduce pain at the bone or muscle level.
-Improve walking and balance through specialized exercises, which helps the older adult to move with greater confidence.
These are some of the objectives that physiotherapy seeks to achieve. Undoubtedly, it increases the sense of well-being in the elderly person because it strengthens their bones and muscles and recovers or maintains their functionality.
The most important thing is that the older adult feels accompanied in his or her process and that he or she can observe his or her progress and personal achievements.
Bibliographic references
We are physiotherapy (n.d.). Benefits of physical therapy in an older adult. Retrieved from: https://somosfisioterapia.es/blog/descubre-beneficios-fisioterapia-adulto-mayor/
Physical therapy or physiotherapy (2022) Terapia-física. Retrieved from: https://www.terapia-fisica.com/
