As we get older our mobility naturally decreases. 

 This can be moderate to extreme and sometimes, we (or our loved ones) may need more assistance to move around safely and without pain.

 To ensure you or a family member receive the right help, a mobility assessment followed by physiotherapy for the aged may be what’s needed.

 CK Physio has put together some useful information to answer these questions:

• What is a mobility assessment?

• Do I need physiotherapy for the aged?

• How will it help muscle recovery and treatment for joint pain?

• Where can I get physiotherapy for the aged?

Nobody wants to get old, but we can help you make it an easier transition to live a better mobile, pain-free life.

What is a mobility assessment and physiotherapy for the aged?

A mobility assessment is a process that helps determine the extent to which an aged person can move around safely and independently and identify how they can be helped. 

This assessment also provides information on the individual such as their muscular strength, their need for assistance and what type of mobility device may work best for them.

Physiotherapy for the aged is a type of physical therapy that aims to reduce or eliminate pain; improve mobility, balance, and strength, plus better your coordination. 

It’s usually prescribed for aged people with chronic illness, disability, mobility issues or those who are recovering from an injury.

Do I need a mobility test?

If you take more than 15 seconds to walk three meters, you may be at risk of developing mobility-related problems. 

These problems can be associated with age and chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

If you or a family member is feeling much more discomfort than usual and experiencing a significant decline in activity levels, then a mobility assessment may be necessary.

When undergoing a mobility assessment, your physiotherapist will look at your:

• Coordination

• Balance

• Walking pattern

• Walking speed

• Joint alignment 

• Muscle strength

• Mobility aids or orthotics

Source: Elderly Mobility Scale - Physiopedia (physio-pedia.com)

Physiotherapy mobility assessment can help identify causes of pain and potential treatments to relieve discomfort.

Do I need physiotherapy for the aged?

The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it seems. 

It depends on the individual and their condition.

Physiotherapy for the aged can be used to prevent the onset and treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke.

Trained in anatomy and physiology, a physiotherapist helps with mobility, gait, and balance issues.

 Any physiotherapy for the aged is based on an individual's age, health, condition, activity level and desired outcome.

 After a mobility assessment has been completed, they can provide physiotherapy for the aged to help them reach their full potential.

Benefits of physiotherapy for the aged:

• pain management

• improves mobility

• reduces the risk of falls 

• improves mental health and quality of life

• reduces the risk of developing new health problems

Physiotherapy for the aged also helps with muscle recovery and treatment for joint pain, plus provides exercises that strengthen and stretch muscles for flexibility.

How will it help muscle recovery and treatment for joint pain?

Muscle recovery and joint pain, (also called arthralgia), are common and difficult conditions to manage in the elderly population.

Studies from the British Geriatrics Society have shown that physiotherapy for the aged is effective for muscle recovery and treatment of joint pain in elderly patients. 

It’s beneficial because it provides passive motion, which helps to improve range of motion and flexibility. It also:

• Reduces stiffness

• Improves functional mobility

• Promotes tissue healing

• Increase strength

• Decrease pain

A tailored physiotherapy program helps you overcome mobility issues related to injuries, illness, or disabilities, and get back to your daily life. 

Physiotherapy for the aged can be delivered in the form of exercises, manual therapy, hydrotherapy, and electrotherapy to suit your needs and requirements.

Where can I get physiotherapy for the aged?

Physiotherapy for the aged population is different from physiotherapy for others, often taking place at a hospital, at home or in a clinic. 

Although there are a lot of physiotherapy practices out there, it’s important to find one like CK Physio which also specialise in treating the elderly.

Our trained and qualified physiotherapist will look at your individual needs and develop a personalised programme to meet these.

Physiotherapy for the aged is provided to improve your quality of life by: 

• Preventing or reducing injuries and falls

• Improving general health and well-being

• Maintaining your independence

Your unique program may include exercises, education on healthy living, or changes to make to your living environment. 

The overall aim is to enable you to live independently for as long as possible in your own surroundings. 

Use CK Physio for your mobility assessment 

When walking and moving, you rely on balance to maintain your posture. 

As you age, this process becomes more difficult especially if you’re experiencing illness, trauma, or disability.

At CK Physio we specialise in physiotherapy for the aged and fully understand the delicacy and integrity needed to address your needs. 

Get in contact with us today, or use our online booking form to schedule a consultation from the comfort of your own surroundings. 

This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns you may have.

Our fully qualified and insured physiotherapists will be able to guide you through the mobility assessment procedure and what is to be expected.

They will be able to create a dedicated program and if necessary, help you choose the right mobility aids.

They say growing old is a privilege denied to many. Yet, nobody said it had to be painful either!

Don’t suffer in silence if you’re in need of a mobility assessment or help with muscle recovery and treatment for joint pain.

CK Physio is here and waiting.