Geriatric Physiotherapy at Home

After reaching a certain age, it is very natural for the body to lose its strength, flexibility and mobility. This is a part of the aging process and it might also lead to other challenges, for example it is likely that elderly individuals might feel less active, that they experiencing a reduction in their coordination, muscle strength, and have a reduced tolerance for physical activities. 

Geriartic physiotherapy is a form of physical therapy that involves intervention and prevention measures that help improve balance, strength,  mobility and physical coordination. Through Geriatic Physiotherapy, it is also possible to improve joint range and enhance the overall quality of life and comfort of elderly individuals. Geriartic physiotherapy recognizes the physical problems that elderly people have to deal with and it aims to help them to stay active and confident while dealing with or tackling these issues effectively through physiotherapy.

Following are the conditions that can be made significantly better through Geriartic Physiotherapy: 

1) Joint Pain

Joints do the job of connecting bones within your body and are responsible for bearing weight and providing support during movement. Joint pain occurs incase of an injury or because of arthritis, gout, hemarthrosis or inflammation in the lining of the joint. If joint pain is neglected for too long, it can affect one’s mobility, lead to lack of strength and can restrict day to day functioning. Geriatric physiotherapy can help reduce joint pain and can improve the range of movement of the joints. 

2) Weakness

Feeling weak or fatigued is common during old age. This comes along with degenerative changes that lead to stiff joints, poor muscle tone, etc. Combined with this are other neurological issues, endocrine problems or musculoskeletal issues. An elderly individual could be feeling weak because of flu, thyroid, anemia, depression, lack of sleep, undiagnosed diabetes, congestive heart failure or medication side effects. Through geriartic physiotherapy, it is possible to improve the physical strength of the elderly individual and also improve their overall quality of life 

3) Unstable Posture 

Postural instability refers to the condition when an elderly individual is unable to maintain an upright position, experience imbalance or a loss of reflexes. A geriatic physiotherapist will make the elderly individual do balance exercises that can help improve their postural instability and can help them return to their earlier state. 

4) Impaired Balance 

Caused by the loss of normal functioning of muscles and bones due to arthritis or orthostatic hypotension, impaired balance is common among elderly individuals. Impaired balance could also be as a result of numbness in feet or legs, eye vision problems, issues with blood circulation or because of intake of several medicines. Through Geriatric physiotherapy, it is possible to improve the functioning of muscles and bones.

The main focus of Geriatic physiotherapy is building strength and endurance in older individuals. It differs from other types of physical therapy since it aims to achieve the following: 

• Helping elderly individuals stay active
• Helping prevent deconditioning 
• Helping prevent muscle atrophy, which is the the wasting away of muscles 
• Helping in decreasing the risk of falls and related injuries
• Helping in maintaining independence in performing routine activities

There are also other rehabilitation services for older adults based on their condition and illness, to help them return to optimal functioning: 

For example, Neurological physical therapy is meant to help with neurological conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Similarly, cardiac rehabilitation through physiotherapy is meant to improve the elderly patient’s endurance and help them return to proper cardiac functioning after a heart attack or heart surgery. Occupational therapy, on the other hand, is meant to improve fine motor control and functional hand use to aid with daily activities of living.

Like mentioned earlier, Geriatic physiotherapy will cover a variety of exercises that are meant to improve the elderly individual’s strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance. The goal is to help improve their day to day movement and functioning and to prevent overall deconditioning. 

Exercises under Geriatic Physiotherapy are as follows: 

• Lower body stretches for the lower back, hip flexors and hamstrings are meant to improve mobility, joint alignment and to loosen the tight muscles and stiff joints and ensure proper muscle activation and movement. 
• To keep the heart and lungs healthy, endurance training is a must and this involves use of cardiovascular equipment like treadmills and stationary bikes. 
• There are also lower body strengthening exercises that aim to maintain strength of the  glutes and quads through exercises such as sit-to-stands, squats, step-ups, leg lifts, and bridges. 
• Balance exercises are incorporated to help elderly individuals maintain balance and stability when standing, walking, changing directions, and so on. Exercises include static balance exercises on flat or uneven surfaces, weight-shifting exercises, marching, and tandem walking heel to toe. 
• Geriatric physical therapy also includes body weight exercises to help improve mobility. Generally only light weights or bands are used in these exercises to offer increased resistance without overburdening the joints.

Geriatric physical therapy can be undertaken at various places and settings including hospitals and clinics, inpatient healthcare facilities like nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, or at the home of the elderly individual.

Geriatic Physiotherapy is important because it helps older individuals manage their functional independence and maintain their quality of life. 

Geriatic Physiotherapy also helps in the following ways: 

• It helps improve and manage the smooth movement and range of motion of various joints
• It helps build and maintain strength, flexibility and endurance of muscles
• It enhances self dependence and allows one to perform day to day activities more actively and effectively
• It helps build the strength required for independent, active living even in old age

As a part of your physiotherapy treatment, you will first be required to go through a physical exam and evaluation. Along with this, the physiotherapist will take your health history, make you undergo some tests and will evaluate your posture, movement, flexibility and the overall performance of your muscles and joints. 

Once this is done, your physiotherapist will offer you a diagnosis and explain what your condition is and where the work needs to be put in.  Along with this, the physiotherapist will give you a care plan along with short term and long term goals. In case you have any questions, doubts or concerns, feel free to speak to your physiotherapist about it. Post this, the physiotherapy will fix the number of sessions you will need in a week and you will have to attend your sessions regularly and sincerely for better results. The physiotherapist may also teach you some exercises that you can do at home on your own for faster and better results.

First Response Healthcare (FRH) is a leading home healthcare company in Dubai, that provides comprehensive patient care services that are reliable and of high quality. First Response Healthcare has implemented international healthcare quality standards and has received the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission International Standards for Home Healthcare for the same. 

FRH has a team of DHA licensed doctors, nurses, physiotherapists who are experienced and trained in providing exceptional services. FRH provides its services 24*7, 365 days a year, right at your doorstep. You can be at your home, hotel or office,  located anywhere within the Emirate of Dubai and the FRH team will reach you within 30 minutes after booking an appointment.

First Response Healthcare (FRH) provides ‘Physiotherapy on Call’ service, wherein we can provide in-home physiotherapy. Our Physiotherapy team comprises highly trained, experienced, qualified and licensed physiotherapists who have commendable clinical experience and are licensed by the Dubai Health Authority. 

Why Should You Get Geriatic Physiotherapy in Dubai From FRH: 

• Flexible Appointments: We adapt to your schedule and you can book an appointment with us 24*7, even on weekends and public holidays. 
• Fastest Delivery of Services: We can reach your home, hotel or office within 30* minutes after you book an appointment. 
• We come to you, anywhere; We cover the entire Emirate of Dubai and can come to you at a location of your choice.  
• You get to choose a place of your convenience: Our team can come to you wherever you are, and can offer physiotherapy services at your home, hotel or office. 
• Customized Services: Our physiotherapist will offer a treatment plan based on your needs and requirements. 
• One-on-One Attention: We take the time to understand your needs and make sure that we offer a treatment plan that works best for you. 
• We always keep you in loop: We make sure to keep you updated with Regular Progress Reports and keep you informed about how we are progressing with the treatment.

To avail services of geriatic physiotherapy in Dubai, all you need to do is call on 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also book an appointment online by visiting https://firstresponse.ae/