Many people believe that the pain caused by the aging process in joints and muscles can’t be treated. As a result, your quality of life can be severely affected when you are in pain or lose mobility.
It can be scary and frustrating when you begin to stop enjoying activities, lose functional independence and increase the risk of falls. Osteopathy can assist in substantially reducing pain and increasing mobility so you can enjoy your lifestyle as you age.
How can osteopathy help the elderly?
Osteopaths consider the whole person, examining posture and the strength and flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons. Treatment is designed to alleviate current problems and to help prevent reoccurrences. Nobody can reverse the effects of ageing, but osteopaths use their hands both to investigate the underlying causes of pain and to carry out treatment using a variety of manipulative techniques. These may include soft tissue stretching, gentle mobilisation of the joints (also known as articulation) or rhythmic joint movements. General releasing techniques are often used for the elderly to free up their movement and alleviate pain. The plan of care is based upon the elderly person’s age, condition, lifestyle and unique spinal problem. Osteopaths often work in conjunction with medical practitioners and realise that patients benefit from a more holistic approach to their health management.
Osteopathy can help elderly mobility
Often when people reach the age where they have more time on their side for recreational activities, it can be disheartening if pain in their body's framework restricts them from enjoying these activities. Being able to remain mobile is a key to maintaining health, happiness and independence for many senior citizens. Osteopathy can play a vital role in achieving this by providing pain relief, increased mobility, flexibility, strength, energy, and an enhanced sense of overall well-being. Osteopaths will often show patients exercises that the person can do daily at home to keep themselves as fit as possible. Drinking water is very important, as the elderly often dehydrate without even realising it and dehydration can lead to many illnesses. Drinking sufficient quantities helps the elderly maintain the health of their joints, skin and kidneys.