The Truth about Mobility Loss and How your Physiotherapist can help
Mobility is incredibly important to the normal function of our bodies and lives. It is unfortunate but true that as we get older, or if we have a life-changing incident, our mobility could suffer and deteriorate as a direct result. It is thought that around 10.1% of the population have reported some mobility difficulty. Mobility is the ability to move freely without feeling stiffness or pain caused by stress or injury. We should work on our mobility every day to retain the strength we have and improve the range of movement in our bodies. In order to be fully mobile, our joints must be in good condition, flexible and strong enough to allow the range of movement we are used to. If our joints are not in good condition or have been damaged, this may affect our mobility and could cause mobility loss.
We can define strength as the ability of an object or person to withstand force or pressure, but how does that relate to our bodies and mobility loss? If we look at our joints as a big part of the strength we need to move, and the pressure put on our joints every time we move, it starts to make a little more strength. Our joints along with our muscles take the strain off us bending, walking and generally moving throughout the day. In order to keep our strength and be able to continue moving, our joints and muscles need to be in good working order. We can achieve that through exercise, good food and generally taking care.
The Effects that Ageing has on Mobility and Balance
There comes a point in our lives, however, as our bodies age and our joints and muscles begin to weaken. This is a natural part of ageing but is not often welcomed by anyone. As we age, our body processes no longer work as well and natural changes could result in our mobility being affected. Health conditions such as arthritis can also have a dramatic effect on our mobility. A very painful condition that can be quite debilitating at times, Osteoarthritis is the end of the joints wearing away and limiting the range of motion a person has.
What is not natural, however, is mobility loss as a result of some illnesses, fatigue, and being inactive. From an illness or health condition that has left you feeling weak or with muscle loss to inner ear infections that destroy your sense of balance and therefore affect your mobility. There are many reasons why someone may be suffering from mobility loss prematurely, however, with a supportive physiotherapist a tailored treatment plan can be put together to support your mobility and regain your strength.
How physiotherapy can help with your Mobility Loss
Physiotherapy involves a number of different treatments, services and preventative approaches, depending on what you are currently experiencing. A main element of physiotherapy involves looking at the body as a whole instead of only focusing on the injury site. By focusing on your whole body, your physiotherapist will be able to give you wellbeing advice which makes up an important part of your treatment plan. Alongside general advice, your physiotherapist will give you specific advice so you can look after yourself and try to avoid activities that inflame your mobility loss or pain site and reduce your risk of pain.
Once you see a physiotherapist, you may be given a number of movements and exercises that will help to improve your mobility and your overall health. These exercises are generally movement orientated and are focused on strengthening various parts of your body. You could be given hydro exercises to complete in warm water and this will support and relax your muscles and joints so you can work on building your strength in a comfortable environment.
Lastly, a physiotherapist may also suggest manual therapy, where they will be directly involved in improving your pain site using manipulation, massage and mobilisation to help relieve pain, improve your blood flow and improve mobility loss, to different parts of your body. Physio Healing Hands also work with acupuncture and functional electrical stimulation, aimed at improving your mobility.
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Physio Healing Hands are your Local Mobility Loss Physiotherapist
A physiotherapist can support you with your mobility loss issues. Not only do they help you keep your mobility, but they are also the experts in making sure you stay safe and independent throughout your life. They can help you with pain management, managing your symptoms and keeping you healthy. Plus, if you have a mobility loss condition, a physiotherapist can also help you find ways to live with your condition. Physiotherapy is a huge part of keeping you comfortable and more mobile.
Physio Healing Hands is your local physiotherapist, based at Duck Farm Court in Aylesbury. Our experience in physio and musculoskeletal injuries means we can offer our clients a truly tailored and bespoke package that works for them. From the moment you visit us for a consultation to your aftercare support, you will be treated with dignity, respect and in a person-centred way. To discuss your mobility loss in more detail or to book an appointment, please give us a call.
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