Elderly & Geriatric Physiotherapy
The Importance of Physiotherapy for Older Adults
Physiotherapy for geriatric and elderly patients is essential in helping older adults stay or become comfortable, pain free and independent. Getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop exercising, in fact, movement is more important. Physiotherapy focuses on building strength, balance, and flexibility and can be tailored to your individual needs. The main goal is to optimise your function, make everyday tasks easier, and prevent problems later in life.
Understanding the Ageing Body
As we age, the body goes through many changes. Bones tend to shrink and become less dense, while muscles lose strength, endurance, and flexibility. These factors affect your coordination, stability, and balance. Blood vessels may stiffen, increasing the risk of high blood pressure or heart conditions. Cognitive changes, including memory or thinking difficulties, can also arise.
Exercise can help counter many of these changes. It has been shown to improve cognitive performance, prevent osteoporosis, slow the weakening of muscles, and support cardiovascular health. It also improves coordination, balance, digestion, and even sexual performance.
What Does a Physiotherapy Program Look Like?
Your specific program will be tailored to your goals and could include a range of exercises, such as standing on one leg to improve balance or sit to stand drills to strengthen your legs and core. We can also customise a walking program, teach you how to use mobility aids, or provide strategies to make getting in and out of bed easier. Everything is adapted to suit your needs.
At our Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic in Dublin 4, our team of physiotherapists will meet with you individually to listen to your goals and design a personalised program. We also have experience treating conditions like dementia, frailty, fractures, osteoporosis, arthritis, stroke, and Parkinson’s. These assessments can take place in the clinic or in the comfort of your home.
Geriatric Physiotherapy: A Specialised Approach
Geriatric physiotherapy is a specialised branch of physiotherapy focused on the needs of older adults. Its aim is to improve quality of life and help maintain independence for as long as possible. A physiotherapist plays a key role in enabling older people to maximise their mobility and confidence.
Older adults may experience common injuries like ankle sprains or back pain, as well as age related conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. They may also be managing other health issues like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease or cancer. These can affect physical conditioning, which is why tailored treatment is so important.
Muscle Loss, Falls, and How We Can Help
As we age, we lose muscle mass in a process called sarcopenia. This reduction in strength, coordination, and endurance can lead to frailty or difficulty performing daily tasks. Falls also become more common with age, and physiotherapists can assess your risk and provide targeted interventions.
Here’s how we support our older patients:
Thorough assessments that consider your medical history, mobility, and balance
Individualised treatment plans with realistic goals
Balance testing and walking assessments
Functional training like getting up from chairs or beds safely
Classes and Home Visits
In the clinic, we offer Stronger for Longer classes, both designed for older adults. These focus on improving strength, balance, and coordination through circuit style sessions. We also provide home visits for patients who may not be able to attend the clinic.
If you would like more information about any of our services or want to try one of our classes, please get in touch with the clinic today.
Physiotherapy
We specialise in the treatment and prevention of injuries and conditions. If you are suffering with any health aliments that you feel we could help you with, get in touch today. We provide treatment for a wide age range from 9 years to 90 years old.