Elderly Mobility Gold Coast

Physiotherapy for seniors, while different in function, is essentially no different than any other form of physiotherapy. The aim is to improve mobility and strength, and aid in a person’s overall well-being. For that reason, there are plenty of similarities.

However, the actual exercises we prescribe for older people at Burleigh Central Physiotherapy are gentler, less impactful, and more suited to aging joints and muscles. When working with a qualified physiotherapist, elderly Australians can expect the following benefits:

Maintain independence for longer
When older people begin to lose muscle strength and joint mobility, it can affect their ability to live an independent life. Without the ability to maintain pain-free movement in their body, a person often requires expert help to manage daily activities. This might mean moving to a nursing facility or having extra support around the home. By maintaining good mobility, you can also maintain your independence for longer.

Reduced risk of diabetes
As people age, diabetes becomes more of a risk. With regular exercise, you can increase the body’s ability to produce and use insulin, while also controlling blood-sugar levels. While this is the same for people of any age, we do see a higher prevalence of diabetes in patients over 75, and tailored exercise programs go a long way to preventing or managing the condition.

Maintain physical activity safely
Maintaining physical activity is important for people of all ages. However, as we age, our bodies aren’t able to handle the same level of strenuous exercise. This increases the risk of injuries, which we obviously want to avoid. That’s why a physiotherapist can recommend the right type of exercises for your own individual capability. This lets you keep up a good level of exercise, without unnecessarily risking injury.

Improved cardiovascular health
Physiotherapy, and in fact any form of exercise, helps to improve cardiovascular circulation. If you maintain an active lifestyle, you can significantly decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease and congenital heart failure. As always, you should consult medical professionals before undertaking any increased level of exercise.

Safe recovery from injuries
Unfortunately, injuries are a common part of getting older. Falls in particular are more common among older Australians, and any injury requires a safe recovery. By seeking professional rehabilitation with a physiotherapist, you can ensure a safe recovery and even reduce the risk of re-injury.