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Writer's pictureLizzi Farrell-Humphrey

How can Home Based Physiotherapy help older people?

Updated: Aug 18, 2021

Physiotherapy is a type of healthcare that focuses on rehabilitating impairments and disabilities caused by illness or injury. When carrying out an initial assessment, the Well Balanced Centre Physiotherapist will take a detailed medical history and conduct a physical examination to develop a tailored treatment plan. It aims to reduce pain, improve range of motion, increase strength and endurance, promote balance and achieve the highest level of comfort and functional mobility.





When it comes to treating an ageing patient with Physiotherapy, strength training is often crucial. Patients who are elderly are frequently discouraged by their loss of physical strength. Even if someone's endurance isn't what it used to be, there is still potential for them to improve their quality of life. Older patients can often increase their strength by incorporating physical exercises into their activities of daily living.


It's no secret that as we get older, we lose muscle mass. What we do however, can slow the rate at which our strength deteriorates. Patients who do not exercise experience a substantially faster loss of strength and muscle mass than those who do. Older people may stay healthy and improve their lives by incorporating a strength training programme into their lives.


When we exercise, we increase the size and density of our muscles, bones, and tendons. When we don't, the opposite occurs, and this happens at a much faster rate as we become older. Age-appropriate strength training programmes for older people have been proven to have many health benefits.


Benefits of Physiotherapy at home for older people

Physiotherapy in a person’s own home can lead to them being more relaxed and at ease which in turn can make people more receptive to treatment. Seeing a person in their own environment can also flag up other issues which could otherwise go unnoticed if the patient were to attend a clinic setting.


Pain Relief

Joint pain is one of the most common ailments among the elderly. In addition to leg joint pain, older people often suffer from neck and back pain. Inactivity can lead to joint pain. The Well Balanced Centre Physiotherapist can advise on the most appropriate exercise programmes to help reduce joint pain and enhance function and mobility.


Bone Density

As we age, the density of our bones diminishes. Because of this, older people are more at risk of sustaining fractures due to their bones becoming much weaker. Physiotherapy is regarded as one of the safest treatments for older people. It can help to preserve bone density as well as improve overall bone health. When working with older people, the Well Balanced Centre physiotherapists treat with the utmost care and concern and can provide appropriate weight bearing exercises to improve bone density.


Falls prevention

Older people can be more prone to slips and falls. The Well Balanced Centre Physiotherapy sessions can play a crucial role in the prevention of falls in older people as well as teaching exercises to increase strength and stamina. Physiotherapy is an excellent way for older people to improve their balance and flexibility and therefore reduce their risk of falling.



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