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Geriatrics
is defined by Webster's Dictionary as "the medical study of the physiology
and pathology of old age".
FACT: 90% of people over the age of 60 years old have one or more of the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Lumbar Canal Stenosis
- Degenerative Disk Disease
This is a natural aging process. But this does not mean that you have to live with pain. If your pain is mechanically influenced, (meaning, positions and/or movement influence your symptoms) your may benefit from physical therapy.
FACT: Falling is the number one cause for fractures in the elderly population. Those suffering from osteoporosis are highly vulnerable to fractures due to falls. Fractures in the elderly are most common in the hips, back, and wrists.
Studies have found that general strength training exercise programs for the elderly are encouraged as this promotes increased strength of arms and legs and provide improved joint protection. A stronger muscular system and a stronger skeletal system decrease risks for falls.
FACT: The effect of exercise on the elderly individual is the same as for a younger person.
Studies have shown that even over the age of 90 years old; exercising is of benefit to you as well.
Facts About Exercise:
- Exercise increases muscle strength
- Exercise increases bone mineral content
- Exercise decreases body fat
- Exercise enhances one's quality of life
Exercises best suited for the elderly population with typical problems that come with natural process of aging (including medical problems, joint and muscle pain) include those that primarily involve the large muscle groups.
Low impact exercise provides conditioning that improves muscle tone without the unnecessary increased stress loading of the joints like higher impact activity options. It also acts as a "buffer" to promote prevention of further irritation or injury to possibly already symptomatic joints you may be experiencing.
Here are some common ways to safely and comfortably enjoy a little physical activity:
- Bicycling
- Recumbent bikes
- Low-impact aerobics
- Low-impact sliding dance
- Swimming
- Water aerobics (low impact)
These forms of aerobic exercises should be performed any where between 20–45 minute sessions in duration up to 3–5 times per week.
What do you do if you can not participate in general programs made available to you in your community because the end result is increased pain and suffering?
It's like a catch 22. You exercise for your health, but the exercise is debilitating and painful.
If you are exercising less and ultimately experiencing more pain because you are not moving as you should...
...physical therapy is an option. At Rehabilitex, we can evaluate your problems that you may be experiencing and provide you with a thorough analysis with recommendations as to what will best meet you personal fitness goals. Discuss this option with your physician.
This Vicious Cycle Can Be Brought Under Control
We know physical therapy can not help everyone, but wouldn't it be nice if it could help you?
We may be able to help you and teach you to control your pain with movement and exercise. If we find that we can not help you, your physical therapist will contact your physician directly to discuss this with him or her to see if there are any other medical options they may have for you.
Many seniors have come through our doors and have left with a personalized home program that satisfies their individual needs.
If there is interruption to your normal activities of daily living due to:
- Pain Problems
- General Functional Decline
- Gait Disturbances
- Balance Problems
- Falls
- Fractures
chances are you may be a good physical therapy candidate!
Click here to make an appointment at Rehabilitex.