Physiotherapy is part of aging well
- Fall prevention
- Recovery from/prevention of knee and hip joint replacements
- Pain and stiffness
- Balance re-education
- Alzheimer’s/Dementia treatment and prevention strategies using exercise programs
- craniosacral therapy (specific to the brain)
Mary Lynne our Physical Therapist works hard with seniors to combat the difficulties of aging. Keeping mobility and function in all our joints and muscles is essential for maintaining independence and quality of life as we age.
There is mounting research that acknowledges the link between a healthy active body and a healthier aging brain. Just like financial investing for retirement makes sense, so does investing in the care of our bodies. The earlier we start the better.
Having a physiotherapist on your health team is an important part of aging well. Many people wait until pain or loss of function impairs their daily life before seeking help.
This could be viewed the same as running your car without maintenance until something breaks down. The human body also needs regular maintenance, and gives us early signs that something is wrong. Over our lifetime, different people “maintain “ their bodies at different levels, and some don’t do a very good job.
Exercise, good nutrition, managing stress, stimulating your brain, and social relationships all help our bodies and mind function better. Injuries, accidents and health problems accumulate in the body so wear and tear can add up over the years. This is what people complain of when they say they feel “old”.
Don’t ignore the warning signs
Physiotherapy
Stiffness and decline in function are the top complaints of seniors that affect their quality of life. Having a physiotherapist on your health team is an important part of aging well.
Many people wait until pain or loss of function impairs their daily life before seeking help. This could be viewed the same as running your car without maintenance until something breaks down. The human body also needs regular maintenance, and gives us early signs that something is wrong like pain or stiffness.
Over our lifetime, different people “maintain “ their bodies at different levels, and some don’t do a very good job. Exercise, good nutrition, managing stress, stimulating your brain, and healthy social relationships all help our bodies and mind function better.
Injuries, accidents and health problems accumulate in the body so wear and tear can add up over the years. This is what people complain of when they say they feel “old”.
Don’t ignore the warning signs – It’s never too late to start care.
Arthritis
Did you know that the pain and stiffness of arthritis can be treated with high success? Just because X-rays may show you have degeneration or arthritis doesn’t mean you can’t do something about the soft tissues that give you pain and stiffness.
Our Physical therapist will help loosen joints and muscles so that you can move better and also show you exercise’s to help keep things moving. Prevention of further degeneration or surgery may be possible, if treated early enough.
Don’t leave treating arthritis, as it often will progress into further degeneration. If you have been told you have arthritis and there’s nothing you can do – don’t believe it. You cannot alter the bony changes that have already occurred but you can treat the pain and stiffness (and function) of the soft tissues.
Is your arthritis too advanced and you need surgery? Consider receiving “Pre-habilitation”. Receiving Physiotherapy treatment prior to surgery is more common and studies show faster recovery times and better outcomes. Treatment focus is on preparing muscles by stretching and strengthening so that they are ready to support and move a new joint.
Need a joint replacement but do not wish to undergo major surgery? Sometimes physiotherapy can show you ways to manage the condition, possibly preventing or delaying surgery, weighing out the pros and cons of both options. Usually a strict exercise program and hands on treatment are required.
Have you had a joint replacement and are not happy with the final outcome? Not everyone recovers the same after surgery. Muscles that were painful prior to surgery or tight surgical scar tissue can cause lingering problems after a joint replacement. A Physical Therapist can evaluate why you still can’t do certain things or why you are in pain after the initial healing phase and physio sessions are over.
Call to book an evaluation and treatment today with our physiotherapist 403-254-9277
Supportive Care
Have you been told your problem wont get better? That may be true, but if you do nothing it may even get worse. Unfortunately many conditions are progressive which means they will usually deteriorate over time.
Physiotherapy can focus on maintenance of certain conditions to slow progression. Quality of life independence and functioning in you daily life are the goals of treatment. Commitment to regular exercise is important.
Maintenance visits are usually monthly once an assessment and program is set up and reviewed. Call to book with our physiotherapist or to find out more information.
Brain Function
Healthy brain function relies on many things as we age. A large portion of our brain monitors and controls our physical body. Things like walking, talking, moving and posture are making our brains work. The less movement we do the less our brain remain active and vital. This can have implications for the other “chemistry” in the brain as well and be part of memory and mental health concerns for some people.
Mary Lynne, our physical therapist has training specifically in addressing the brain. CranioSacral Therapy can assist in making sure the brain has optimal blood flow and drainage and DNS helps exercise the brain – body connection.
Conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia may show improvement in symptoms. Early treatment is recommended for best results or if these conditions run in your family.
Recovery from a stroke, concussion or previous head injury may also find some benefit with this unique combination of treatment.
Fall Prevention Program
Seniors are at risk of falling as they age. Falls are the number one course of hip fractures. This is such a big concern for seniors that the Fall Prevention Program was initiated by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta, Alberta Physiotherapy Association and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in 2007.
This simple program teaches seniors balance exercises, discusses risk factors and aims at preventing falls. Have you already had one or more falls? Schedule and appointment with our physiotherapist to help prevent the injuries or fractures that a fall may bring.
Healthy Aging and Prevention Screen
Do you want your body to age well? Ever wonder why aches and pains creep up on as you age? Are you wanting to find out how you can prevent disability as you age and maintain your independence? Aging well is possible but takes knowledge of what to do and the tools to achieve it.
Our physiotherapist Mary Lynne Jones will assess all of your joints and muscles determining where you need to focus. This is often on areas you may not even realize. Two to three sessions are used to ensure you are preforming properly. If you choose to treat areas already in pain you may require more treatments.
Our exercise based program for aging well and prevention give you an individualized exercise program that you can do daily. Exercise is the key to the foundation of youth. Start as young as you can, but its never too late to start