24/02/2020
As we age our body inevitably goes through many physical changes. These natural age-related changes include reduced bone density, reduced muscle strength, increased body fat, poorer coordination and stiffer joints. These normal effects of ageing can affect older people’s mobility and balance and make them more likely to fall and break bones. Older people also become more susceptible illness such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. All of this can have a big impact on their daily lives and reduce their independence. For example, elderly people often feel that they are not as quick and steady on their feet as they used to be and find that stairs are more difficult. This can then affect their ability to get out and about and lead to reduced independence.
However, we do not have to accept this as an inevitable part of ageing. While Sports physiotherapy cannot stop ageing it can help to reduce the impact that it has on our bodies and our lives. Sports Physiotherapists are trained to identify physical and other factors that prevent people from being as active and independent as they can be, and then they find ways of overcoming them. This makes them ideally placed to help older people stay as active as they can be. In fact, Sports physiotherapy has been shown to improve many of the factors associated with ageing including strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and pain levels. Ultimately sports physiotherapy has been proven by research to help older adults to maintain their health, well-being, functional ability and independence.
Sports Physiotherapists can provide advice on how to safely exercise so that older people can realise the benefits of exercise. Studies have shown that older adults who engage in regular physical activity gain many benefits including improved balance, strength, coordination, motor control, flexibility, endurance and even memory. Exercise can also help to reduce the risk and impact of illnesses that are more likely to affect older people. Research also shows how effective sports physiotherapists are at treating and preventing joint problems, balance disorders, risk of falls, strength decline and reducing high blood pressure and obesity.
Sports Physiotherapy interventions that are proven to be effective for older people include stretching and strengthening exercise programmes and practising activities that challenge balance. They can also provide equipment such as walking aids to facilitate independent living. Ultimately we will work with you to ensure that you can remain as independent as possible.