One of the most common chronic conditions, Arthritis, is extremely prevalent among older adults and is a cause of concern. Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints with major symptoms being joint pain and stiffness which typically worsens with age. The more common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Arthritis can have a substantial impact on daily movements for the elderly as the symptoms of the condition can be a barrier to physical activity. It can put elderly people at a greater risk of disability and early death. Inactivity with arthritis is also associated with other conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, functional limitations, depression, and sleep disturbances. One must receive appropriate treatment for such chronic conditions.

Physiotherapy can be a highly helpful tool in the treatment and effective management of arthritis and should be a vital part of elderly care. It can help regulate the pain, improve mobility, and prevent further deterioration of joint health. In this article, we will discuss the various benefits of physiotherapy for elderly patients suffering from arthritis.
 

1. Physiotherapy can help patients understand arthritis: The first thing that going to physiotherapy will do for the elderly patients is it will help them understand the condition. Physiotherapists can give patients information about different types of arthritis and how they develop and affect the body. They will teach the elderly and their caretaker for old age how physiotherapy will work at improving their movements and provide insight on any potential side effects related to the treatment or medications. It is vital for an elder care taker to consult a doctor before starting any new regimen or treatment.

2. Physiotherapy can reduce pain: Physiotherapy can help reduce pain as it works on the nervous system, which controls the muscles and joints in the body. A physiotherapist can work with the patient to slowly treat and decrease their level of pain. There are various therapies, such as cryotherapy and thermotherapy, that can improve circulation and loosen stiff joints. Other therapies like electrical stimulations, ultrasound, and laser therapies can also be used by physiotherapists, depending upon the condition of the patient, to alleviate pain, and muscle spasms, and relax the muscles.

3. Physiotherapy can help with better movement: Physiotherapists can offer their patients effective advice on how to exercise safely so that older adults can realize and reap the benefits of exercising. Studies have shown that older adults who engage in regular physical activity and physiotherapy can prevent joint pain, and have reduced cases of high blood pressure, and obesity. Daily exercises and activities with physiotherapy have proved to be beneficial in finding better and more easy movement in adults as they grow older. Older adults will find it easier to walk or stand up from a chair and will feel strong and flexible again with less muscle fatigue. 

4. Physiotherapy can reduce or prevent disability: Unchecked joint pain and inactivity can lead to disability in older adults with arthritis as they age. Physiotherapy is an effective way to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. It helps improve the range of motion in the joints, muscle strength, and balance in elderly patients with arthritis. This can significantly improve their mobility and reduce or prevent the chances of disability.

5. Physiotherapy can improve flexibility, strength, and endurance: The elder care treatment with physiotherapy focuses on improving the ability to function by addressing the causes of arthritis and its symptoms. Physiotherapy for arthritis can help combat symptoms such as stiffness of joints, decreased range of motion due to damaged soft tissue or joints, muscle spasms, better pain management, etc. This can over time improve the mobility and flexibility of the muscles and also increase muscle strength and endurance.

6. Physiotherapy can improve the quality of life: With the help of senior citizen care taker services, physiotherapy can have a long-term effect on the quality of life of the elderly with arthritis. It can help them stay active and independent. It can help avoid surgery or hospitalization due to arthritis, improve their mental health and sleep quality, and reduce their level of joint pain. It can have positive effects on their mental, emotional, and physical health and significantly improve their quality of life.