Often, physiotherapy is used as a method for treating a physical concern. Broken bones, recovery from accidents, immobility – these can all be directly treated by physiotherapy. Sometimes, physiotherapy is used to treat the effects of a condition, and to prevent future issues from arising. This is where physiotherapy for Alzheimer’s patients falls.
Physiotherapy can help an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient remain physically functional as long as possible. At Physio Art, we work as part of a patient’s complete health care team to find strategies, exercises, and recommendations to improve quality of life, despite the disease. We work with doctors, caregivers, nurses, and a patient’s family to find the best methods and strategies for them.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Alzheimer’s Patients
The main goal of physiotherapy for Alzheimer’s patients is to help them maintain physical, functional independence as long as possible. We help to increase their daily activity to provide a variety of physical benefits that help keep them independent.
- Improve balance and core strength
- Help with muscle tone and increase muscle strength
- Improve mobility
- Provide pain management techniques
- Improve coordination
- Provide dietary recommendations
- Create an at-home exercise or stretching plan
- Plan assistive devices (such as orthotics) to help with everyday function
These benefits work to help patients prevent falls, have the ability to move and stand with ease, and as the disease progresses, dress and feed themselves as normal. These are some of the things that make Alzheimer’s patients dependent – they have a bad fall and do not fully recover, they are unable to walk, they have poor balance, and are unable to perform regular daily functions.
Our aim is to help Alzheimer patients maintain mobility and coordination as their disease progresses. While physiotherapy does not cure Alzheimer’s or treat the underlying condition, it can help a patient feel more independent, giving the family, the caregivers, and patient themselves more peace of mind and freedom.
Contact Physio Art
At Physio Art, we can develop specific programs to provide these benefits of physiotherapy to Alzheimer’s patients. We also provide massage therapy in Hamilton to help stimulate muscles and alleviate pain.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other neurological illnesses, we can help. Contact us today!
