As we age, the body goes through changes which can sometimes lead us feeling weaker, less mobile
and less confident. However, through regular manual therapy treatments such as Osteopathy or
Physiotherapy, it is possible to help restore the body to a more functional state, which will allow
patients to maintain their independence and feel comfortable and confident when executing daily
tasks.
Some of the key areas we find are reduced or lost with the older patients are:
Balance/Proprioception
Mobility and Strength (including reduced bone density)
Healing and circulation
Balance & Proprioception:
As we age the rate of cognitive function, nerve conduction and therefore signals transmitting from
the brain through to our limbs can reduce, which in turn can leave us feeling unbalanced and less
aware of our joint positioning, leaving us susceptible to trips and tumbles. Over time this can lead to
increased muscular tightness, a loss of joint mobility and a loss of confidence, as the body’s natural
response to feeling unstable is to tense up. Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilisation are
effective in helping reduce tone, improve joint range of motion, and practitioners can provide
patients with simple yet effective exercises they can do at home to help restore and maintain
balance and proprioception. Not only does manual therapy help improve these areas, but it also
helps with confidence levels of patients, as they have the evidence they need to prove they are
capable of completing daily tasks, which over time will give them the confidence and independence
to maintain a thriving social life.
Mobility and Strength:
As the classic phrase goes, ‘use it or lose it’ is very prevalent when it comes to aging, strength and
mobility. The natural degenerative process of joints and altered structure and function of
surrounding soft tissues such as muscles, tendons and ligaments can leave movement feeling harder,
more tiring and sometimes painful. Whilst these changes are hard to avoid, it doesn’t mean we have
to live in a state of pain and restriction. One of the purposes and aims of manual therapy is to
improve the tone and texture of soft tissues, which in hand will help the joints move in a freer state,
and in the long run will help you stay active. Another branch of this, is looking at bone density, which
is something that can reduce over time, especially in females. Lower bone density aka Osteoporosis
does leave us more prone to fractures and breaks, as the bone isn’t as strong. Increased levels of
activity, whether that is strength training, walking, swimming or dancing, will help us maintain
muscle mass, which in turn allows us to put more weight through our joints and in that process,
maintain or increase our bone density and joint mobility.
Healing and Circulation:
Leading on from improved mobility and strength, takes us to improved healing and circulation.
Healing becomes slower as we age as the body has to work harder to repair damaged tissues. This is
where a good cardiovascular system is key in enabling the blood to be pumped efficiently and
sufficiently around the body. Manual therapy techniques such as massage help in facilitating this
process as it encourages the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the area, which over time stimulates
the repair process. Enhanced healing and circulation will also lead to a reduction in long term pain
and discomfort.
