As we get older, our bodies lose their ability to function, just as we did when we were young. After a fulfilling life, our muscles, joints and bones wear out and we need extra help to stabilize our health and wellness. Physical therapy is a good service for the elderly, especially those with Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. Here are some ways in which physiotherapy can help older patients cope with these debilitating diseases.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disease that affects a person's movement. Parkinson's disease is often thought of as hand shaking and unclear speech, often causing stiffness and slowing of body movements. Physical therapy helps Parkinson's patients by performing aerobic exercises for them, which helps reduce stiffness, improve body mobility, balance and posture. People with this disease also experience varying degrees of depression, and regular exercise can also help with these symptoms.

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that causes problems in the patient's memory, thinking and behavior. This situation usually worsens over time, making it difficult for patients to complete their daily tasks. Physical therapists help Alzheimer's patients by designing exercise programs for them. Studies have shown that exercise can improve memory, delay the onset of Alzheimer's and dementia, and delay the decline in the daily work capacity of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. People with this disease are also prone to falls and fractures, and physiotherapists can treat them when necessary.

Brain palsy

Cerebral palsy is a disease of muscle tone or posture that is caused by a problem that occurs in the developing brain of the patient [usually before birth]. People with this disease suffer from imbalances, excessive exercise, abnormal postures and uncontrolled movements. Although the effects of this disease do not worsen with age, cerebral palsy patients may still have problems with age, such as increased pain, difficulty walking and falling. Physical therapy can help elderly cerebral palsy patients exercise to help them maintain their strength and prevent joint problems.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system in which an attack from the immune system causes communication between the brain and other parts of the body as well as between permanent damage and neurological deterioration. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis depend on the number of nerve damage, but the disease can cause some people to completely lose their ability to walk. Physical therapists can provide exercise programs in areas such as aerobics, water sports, and even yoga, which can help improve patient balance, walking ability, and possibly slow disease progression.

Physical therapy not only helps the aging symptoms of the elderly, but also helps those who suffer from disabling diseases every day.

How physical therapy can help older people get sick was originally published on Spring