What is Geriatrics physiotherapy?

Deemed a “medical specialty” in 1989, Geriatrics physiotherapy places an emphasis on the care and treatment of aging adults. Care for aged ones are generally termed as Geriatrics Physiotherapy also termed as clinical gerontology. It provides a details study of physical and phycological changes which are incidental to old age and is called Geriatrics Physiotherapy or clinical gerontology.

It is nothing but a rehabilitation prorgram to assist the disabled aged in recovering lost physical, psychological or social skills to make them more independent.The decline in muscle strength and mass, respiratory reserve and cardiovascular functioning ,kyphotic postural changes and many other physiological and psychological changes associated with inactivity and ageing.

Geriatric physical therapists aid in fall prevention and work with those that have suffered a fall for their best chance of recovery. According to information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one-third of all individuals 65 and older experience falls each year. These falls lead to broken bones, hip fractures, hospitalizations, and even death. 

Geriatric physical therapist work closely with other types of healthcare personnel that works with their patient in order to coordinate the best type of care for that individual. As a geriatric physical therapist, you will help your patients understand that the bodily changes that occur as we age can easily be misunderstood and may lead to many limitations; however, it does not need to be this way.

Three major principles of rehabilitation prorgram:

• Variability
• Hypokinetics
• Optimal health.

The number is senior adults has increased dramatically over the past couple of years. As a result, the demand for geriatric physical therapists is very high.