Active Aging

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2018 ACTIVE AGING WEEK 13 Physiotherapists can help stay engaged in their communities. What does this mean for me? Physiotherapists can provide an exercise program to help maintain strength and balance, keeping seniors in their homes and as active members of their community. Physiotherapists assess strength, flexibility and movement patterns to get a sense of how your body is working from a mechanical standpoint, and also take into account your lifestyle, aspirations and goals. As we grow older, our body parts wear down. Aches and pains result, some of them minor, some of them significant. Over time, those aches and pains — if left untreated — can become debilitating. Unfortunately, many older Manitobans sit and suffer through the discomfort of, for instance, a bad hip or knee. They become increasingly inactive as the years go by, thinking there's nothing they can do to regain their vitality. Turns out, there actually is something older adults can do to regain a better quality of life: see a physiotherapist. "Many of the aches and pains that seniors experience come from a gradual breakdown in tissues rather than one specific injury or event," says physiotherapist Trevor Christie. "Unfortunately, those issues won't get better on their own. The good news is that a physiotherapist can help you get better." The first step on the road to a better quality of life, less pain and improved function is to make an appointment with a physiotherapist so they can do a thorough assessment of how your body is presently performing. "That assessment will allow us to pinpoint what area or areas of your body need to be treated so you can get back to doing routine tasks more efficiently," he explains. "We'll look at things like your strength, flexibility and movement patterns to get a sense of how your body is working from a mechanical standpoint. Also, as part of the assessment we'll ask many questions to get a sense of your lifestyle, your aspirations and goals. We'll get a sense of your current level of fitness, function and activity and try to match our treatment plan with one that will help get you to your end goal." The next step is treatment with a physiotherapist. "The treatment may involve things like stretches, strengthening exercises, soft tissue techniques like myofascial release, cupping and blading. It can also include joint mobilization or manipulation, movement correction or patterning exercises to correct inefficient movement and much more," says Christie. If anything, taking the time to see a physiotherapist can serve as a wake-up call. "It may sound like a cliché, but if seniors don't use their bodies, they quickly lose their strength and flexibility and with it the ability to move well. With that comes a loss of independence and function. You need to stay active — and get focused treatment on problem areas — to maintain your physical vitality. Don't let a bad knee turn into a bad heart, lungs and overall poor health." Should you be experiencing a physical issue that's causing your pain and loss of function, get your doctor or a trusted friend to refer you to a physiotherapist (or check out the Manitoba Physiotherapy Association website to find a physio — mbphysio.org/ find-a-physiotherapist). Develop a strong relationship with them and co-operatively work towards achieving your goals. "The good thing about physiotherapists is that we actually care," Christie says. "We take time to discuss issues, we listen and we work collectively with our patients towards a goal. I feel you'll find your relationship with your physiotherapist a very rewarding one. Over time, you'll see results and will feel better, you may well be able to do things you were previously unable to do, such as going up the stairs, going for a walk or gardening." In short, a physiotherapist can serve as an avenue to a much-improved quality of life. "If you're experiencing physical issues that are preventing you from leading an active, enjoyable life, we can help you get back into an active lifestyle," he says. "Don't let finances or a lack of transportation prevent you from seeing a physiotherapist. Seeing a therapist is a worthwhile investment and could be one of the best investments you ever make." An investment that can help you lead a healthier, more enjoyable life for longer. ❚ Physiotherapy boosts quality of life BY TODD LEWYS FOR THE FREE PRESS Like it or not, aging is inevitable. MPA/SHUTTERSTOCK

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