physiotherapy for seniors

What is Osteoporosis?

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November is National Osteoporosis Month in Canada. In light of this, I wanted to do a blog post about the disease that currently affects more than 2 millions Canadians.

Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones lose bone mass and become thin and susceptible to injury. it is known as a “silent thief” because bone deterioration can go on for years with no symptoms. Osteoporosis related fractures are actually more common than heart attacks, strokes, and breast cancer combined. Osteoporosis risk is assessed based on several factors; if you are determined to be at risk your doctor will order a bone mineral density test. Your results, called a T-score, will then compare your bones to those of an average young adult. While some bone loss is to be expected, the results will indicate if you are experiencing more bone loss than normal for your age. If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis there are a variety of treatments that are available to minimize bone loss and decrease risk of fractures.

Physiotherapy can help by

  • Informing you of recommended strengthening, aerobic and balance exercises for individuals with osteoporosis

  • Educating you on safe ways to perform your daily activities to minimize your risk for spinal fractures and falls

  • Developing an exercise program to improve your postural alignment, core and back strength; thereby decreasing the stress on your spine and joints

  • Restoring your strength and managing pain following an osteoporosis-related fracture

  • Improving your balance through strengthening and balance training to decrease your risk for falls

Learn more through Osteoporosis Canada.

What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?

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Is is estimated that 35% of adults have some form of vestibular dysfunction. The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining our balance and allowing us to see clearly while we are in motion. This system is made up of the trans of the inner ear, which detect our heads position and movement. The vestibular system is also made up of parts on the brain that process the information detected by our inner ear!

Disorders of the vestibular system can take many forms as different parts of the vestibular system may be affected. Problems can arise due to recent trauma (car accidents or falls), inner ear infections, medications, tumors, symptoms of other diseases, or due to aging. Symptoms may include vertigo (feeling like the room is spinning), dizziness, unsteadiness or falls, blurry vision, nausea, or vomiting. Other complications may include decreased activity, anxiety, depression, and poor concentration.

Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of therapy performed by physiotherapists or audiologists. This type of treatment uses techniques and exercises to help the brain compensate for problems in the vestibular system. It also uses physical maneuvers to correct imbalances of the inner ear.

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS TRAINED IN Vestibular REHABILITATION WILL:

  • Discuss your medical history and the nature of your symptoms

  • Screen for other causes of dizziness or unsteadiness

  • Evaluate your eye movement and test for sensitivity to motion or position change

  • Evaluate your balance in standing and in motion

Treatments for vestibular dysfunctions may include eye movements, exercises to reduce your sensitivity to motion, balance training, and education. Repositioning maneuvers may also be used and taught to you.

If YOU or your loved one is experiencing dizziness or vertigo -

CALL US TODAY TO SPEAK WITH A PHYSIOTHERAPIST ABOUT YOUR SITUATION! 

Urinary Incontinence: how physiotherapy can help

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Urinary incontinence is accidental urine leakage that can occur when laughing, lifting, sneezing, or coughing. According to the World Health Organization it affects one in three women worldwide. The Canadian Continence Foundation also stats one in six women over 30 have urinary incontinence. Despite the major impacts it has on one’s lifestyle, it is not often discussed. People with incontinence are often embarrassed to speak about it with their health care providers, friends or family.

The main types of urinary incontinence include:

  • Stress incontinence

    • Leakage during physical exertion (sports) or during coughing or sneezing

  • Urge incontinence

    • Leakage when you need to go but don’t quite make it in time

  • Mixed

    • Combination of stress and urge incontinence

Urinary incontinence affects men, women, and children. It commonly affects more women than men due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, hysterectomy, and the structure of the female urinary tract. Pelvic floor muscles can become stretched with childbirth or lose their strength and tone with age and menopause. Incontinence can also result from injury, infection, disease, or medical condition. 

How physiotherapists help

Physiotherapists with specialized training are highly skilled at assessing and treating people with urinary incontinence.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is key for effective treatment. Following an assessment your physiotherapist will develop an individualized treatment plan. Targeted strengthening and stretching techniques, bladder and pelvic floor training and lifestyle or habit changes can often successfully treat incontinence. Sometimes special equipment (biofeedback, electric muscle stimulation) is used. Specific exercises are an effective way to increase strength, endurance and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles and stop the urinary incontinence.

Physiotherapists trained in urinary incontinence treatment will:

  • Take a careful history to identify your symptoms

  • Screen out conditions requiring medical follow-up

  • Discuss the impact on your lifestyle

  • Perform a physical examination of your back, pelvis, sacrum, pelvic floor muscles, and nerve function

If you are someone you love has urinary incontinence. Find a physiotherapist who specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation today on the OPPQ website.

Parkinson's disease: how physiotherapy can help

Parkinson's disease: how physiotherapy can help

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that results from degeneration in the area of the brain that controls movements. This disease affects 1 in 10 adults over 80 and is the second most common degenerative disorder of the central nervous system following Alzheimer disease. With April being Parkinson's disease awareness month, we wanted to share more information on this condition with our readers.

Fall-related fractures: management and physiotherapy

Fall-related fractures: management and physiotherapy

March & April are generally busy times for physiotherapists, especially given the harsh winter we have had here in Montreal! Falls can cause orthopedic injuries including sprains, strains, and fractures. This post focuses on fractures: their management and what the rehabilitation process is like.

Fall Prevention: 5 ways to prevent falls during bad weather

Fall Prevention: 5 ways to prevent falls during bad weather

About 1/3 of people over 65 and 1/2 of people over 80 fall each year. this can have very serious consequences to your health and independence therefore prevention is key.

Osteoarthritis: how physiotherapy can help

Osteoarthritis: how physiotherapy can help

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. OA is a disease of the whole joint that leads to breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. If pain and stiffness are impacting your daily activities physiotherapy can help you gain mobility and find ways to manage your pain.

Home physiotherapy: the benefits for older adults

Home physiotherapy: the benefits for older adults

Currently, gaps exist in the continuum of care for patients requiring rehabilitation services in the community. Home-based physiotherapy services address this need by providing evaluations and treatments to people within their homes and communities to help support independent living and enhance quality of life.

Physical activity: tips to get you moving

Physical activity: tips to get you moving

Meeting the weekly recommended levels of physical activity can be difficult. We all have busy schedules and social events that can get in the way. Here are a few tips to make it more manageable.

Knee osteoarthritis: tips to help you manage your OA

Knee osteoarthritis: tips to help you manage your OA

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder and is primarily seen in people over the age of 65. It can cause pain, swelling and reduced mobility of the affected joint. Here are a few pointers to help you manage your OA.