geriatric physiotherapy

Geriatric rehabilitation is maintaining and improving the general health and ability of elderly individuals. We commonly work with elderly patients helping optimise their quality and enjoyment of life. We will carry out a full functional assessment and work with you and your family to set realistic short and long term goals.

geriatric CONDITIONS

GENERAL DETERIORATION

INTRODUCTION
Deterioration of health is the process in which our mental and physical health becomes progressively worse over time. As individuals grow older there is often a natural decline in the ability to walk, climb the stairs or stand up from a chair. This can be frustrating and disabling for the elderly population and increase the need for assistance from family or care givers.

CAUSES
Illness
Pain
Cognitive function or long-standing medical condition.

PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT
 Muscle strengthening exercises
 Co-ordination exercises
 Sensory stimulation
 Range of motion exercises
 Balance exercises
 Core stability exercises

The elderly patient will be assessed for carrying out a range of functional activities such as getting in/out of bed, standing up, walking, climbing the stairs, and using the bathroom. If required, mobility aids and equipment can be recommended and supplied to make functional tasks easier and safer. These may include but are not limited to a walking stick, a zimmer frame, a kitchen trolley, a bath seat, and grab rails.

ARTHRITIS

INTRODUCTION
• Inflammation of joint that causes pain and stiffness in one or more joints, which can get worse with age.

CAUSES
• Degeneration
• Family history of arthritis
• Obesity
• Stress on the joint
• Previous joint injury
• Age related changes
• Viral or any autoimmune diseases
• Smoking
• Lack of exercise

CLINICAL FEATURES
• Pain and stiffness
• Joint swelling lasting longer than three days and occur more than
three times per month.
• Redness and warmth in the joint.
• Difficulty moving a joint
• Pain in the morning, after exercise or sitting for a while.
• Reduced range of motion
• Tenderness at the joint

PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
• Heating pad
• Hydrotherapy
• Assistive devices
• Thermotherapy- Paraffin wax, Moist heat pack
• Electrical modalities - Therapeutic ultrasound, TENS
• Exercises to improve posture
• Massaging technique
• Strengthening drills
• Balance exercises
• Kinesio taping

CANCER

DEFINITION
Any of the several illnesses characterised by the growth of abnormal cells that divide out of control and have the capacity to invade and destroy healthy bodily tissue are referred to as cancers. Cancer can spread throughout your body is common.

SYMPTOMS
 Fatigue
 Lump or region of thickening under the skin
 Reduction or gain weight
 Skin changes- yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, non-healing ulcers, or changes to existing moles.
 Changes in bowel or bladder habits
 Persistent cough or breathing difficulties
 Swallowing difficulty
 Hoarseness
 Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
 Unusual muscle or joint pain
 Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats
 Unexplained bleeding or bruising

CAUSES
Cancer is caused by changes (mutations) to the DNA within cells. The DNA inside a cell is packaged into a large number of individual genes, each of which contains a set of instructions telling the cell what functions to perform, as well as how to grow and divide. Errors in the instructions can cause the cell to stop its normal function and may allow a cell to become cancerous.

PREVENTION
 Stop smoking.
 Avoid excessive sun exposure.
 Eat a healthy diet.
 Exercise most days of the week.
 Maintain a healthy weight
 Drink alcohol in moderation, if you choose to drink
 Schedule cancer screening exams.
 Ask your doctor about immunizations.

PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
 Exercise activity also helps to increase the aerobic activity in the body which leads to increased blood cells, increased muscular endurance of the overall body.
 Stretching of the muscle
 Pain relieving modalities
 Cryotherapy
 Lymphedema treatment

DEMENTIA

INTRODUCTION

Dementia depicts a general decrease in memory and other reasoning abilities sufficiently extreme to diminish an individual's capacity to perform regular exercises. It is described by the moderate and diminishes mental capabilities.

SYMPTOMS
• Encountering cognitive decline, misguided thinking, and disarray
• Trouble talking, understanding and offering viewpoints, or perusing and composing
• Meandering and losing all sense of direction in a recognizable area
• Inconvenience taking care of cash capably and covering bills
• Rehashing questions
• Utilizing uncommon words to allude to recognizable items
• Taking more time to finish ordinary everyday jobs
• Losing interest in typical everyday exercises or occasions
• Daydreaming or encountering hallucinations or suspicion
• Acting rashly
• Not thinking often about others' sentiments
• Losing offset and issues with development

CAUSES
• Alzheimers sickness
• Unusual totals of protein that foster inside nerve cells
• Degeneration of the cerebrum of the mind
• After a stroke
• Certain contaminations like HIV
• Destructive utilization of liquor
• Dietary inadequacies

PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
• Group exercise
• Hydrotherapy
• Virtual reality
• Practice of functional tasks
• Indoor/outdoor mobility practice
• Stairs/slope practice
• Fatigue management
• Provision of mobility aids and equipment

DEPRESSION

INTRODUCTION
Depression (likewise called significant burdensome problem or clinical wretchedness) is a typical yet serious state of mind issue that causes extreme side effects that influence our sentiments, thinking, and handle everyday exercises.

SYMPTOMS
• Distress
• Uselessness
• Peevishness
• Weariness
• Culpability
• Crying spells
• Indifference
• Uneasiness
• Fretfulness
• Absence of focus
• Rest issues
• Considered self-destruction
• Over eating or loss of craving

CAUSES
• Hereditary qualities
• Mind science
• Certain ailments
• Substance use
• Stress
• Unfortunate nourishment

PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
• Education
• Mindfulness
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Norwegin Psychomotor Physical Therapy

OSTEOPOROSIS

Introduction
Little bone mineral density resulting from changed bone microstructure is known as osteoporosis, and it predisposes individuals to
fragility fractures with low force. The quality of life is significantly reduced as a result of osteoporotic fractures, which also increase morbidity, mortality, and disability. It is the most common skeletal disorders in the world, next only to arthritis.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include the following;
Advanced age (≥50 years), Female sex, Genetic factors, such as a family history of osteoporosis, Late menarche, Early menopause, Postmenopausal state, Physical inactivity or immobilization, Use of certain drugs, Calcium or vitamin D deficiency.

Clinical features
Acute pain, sudden movements like coughing, sneezing etc increases the pain, Back pain, bending of upper back, decreased height.

Physiotherapy management
Prevention is the best way to manage it well, consume a high protein and calcium rich diet, Rest, Regular strengthening exercises of muscles will help you to prevent more fractures, spinal orthosis may prevent the risks, belts and collars.

POST HOSPITAL SYNDROME

INTRODUCTION
Post-hospital syndrome is a vulnerable period that can last up to seven weeks after a patient is discharged from the hospital.

CAUSES
-insufficient exercise,
-malnutrition
-lack of sleep.

SYMPTOMS
-depression,
-deteriorating memory,
- weakness, faintness, -a reduction in appetite,
- Urge leakage
-problems thinking or speaking.
-an increase in the use of prescription and OTC drugs.

PHYSICAL THERAPY MANAGEMENT
-Mobility drills, fall prevention information, and muscle-building exercises.
-Stretches for a range of motion.
-Exercises for core stability and balance
-Massage and soft tissue mobilization
-Practicing useful tasks
-Management of pain and transfer practices
-Home workout routine
-Education and training for families and care givers

REDUCED MOBILITY

Introduction
Reduce mobility is the disability of the person, to move independently or restriction of movements due to some changes in their body due to aging process. Commonly seen in 5th decade and above individuals.

Symptoms
 Pain
 Weakness
 Restriction of movements
 Swelling
 Fatigue
 Wobbly walking
 Fear of fall

Causes
 older age
 degenerative conditions
 psychological problems
 low physical activity
 obesity
 impaired strength and balance, and
 chronic diseases such as diabetes and arthritis.

Physiotherapy Treatment
 Hot pack or cryotherapy
 Ultrasound
 Passive and active movements
 IFT
 Strengthening exercises
 Walking aids
 Balancing exercises
 Orthotics and splints
 Coordination exercises

STROKE

INTRODUCTION
The decrease of entry of oxygen in blood to the brain can cause it’s cell damage either due to any occlusion or the rupture of the arterial system of brain.

CAUSES
Diabetes
High blood pressure.
Increased cholesterol level in blood. Lifestyle without any physical activity Alcohol use and smoking.

SYMPTOMS
• Depends on the area of the brain affected.
• Look for F.A.S.T.
F- Face or mouth deviation
A- Unable to lift both the arms
S -Check whether the speech is affected .
T-Shift the patient immediately to the hospital for getting medical supervision .
• Speaking difficulty or understanding others.
• Numbness or weakness in arm ,face and leg especially on one side of the body.
• Speech is not clear
• Lack of response
• Problems with vision
• Walking difficulty.
• Behavioural changes
• Balance problems
• Severe, sudden vomiting tendency.

PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
• POSITIONING Change the position every 2 hours.
• Electrical Stimulation( in fully paralyzed patient).
• General mobility exercises.(either passively or actively ).
• Balance training.
• Gait training.
• Treadmill training (Body weight supported ).
• Rhythmic cueing
• Virtual reality
• Overground and community walking.
• Orthotics
• Constraint induced movement Therapy.
• Robot assisted arm training.
• Mirror therapy
• Mental practice.
• Heart and lung muscle training.
• Circuit training.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GERIATRIC REHABILITATION ?

Being involved in an Geriatric rehabilitation program, we can provide a number of benefits to you. Our physiotherapists will devise a personalised treatment programme to help you achieve the following outcomes:

Regaining your independence
Maximise your safety
Reducing the risk of falling
Restoring your confidence
Improving your quality of life
Helping you to carry out activities of daily living
Improving mobility indoors and outdoors
Maintaining your muscle strength
Balance and walking re-education

WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM GERIATRIC REHABILITATION ?

Physiotherapy for Geriatric rehabilitation can be extremely useful if you have had a fall, accident or would just like to improve your independence and functional capabilities.

Our physiotherapists commonly work with elderly people who have:
Recently deteriorated in their mobility
Recently been discharge from hospital
Fallen or have a high risk of falling
Recently had an accident
Pain that is limiting them
Recently had an operation
An interest in improving their independence and functional abilities

Bethany Navajeevan Physiotherapy Clinic
& Rehabilitation Centre

'Learn to Heal' with Care & Compassion