Ageing is a biological process at the cellular level. Over time the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage results in a gradual reduction in physical and mental capacity, and increased risk of disease.
The degeneration of multiple body systems in an ageing individual often requires the services of a health care professional skilled in multiple areas. Physiotherapists are able to provide complex support for often multiple co- existing musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular conditions with a holistic, patient centred approach.
At Function and Form we treat each patient young or not so young, as unique individuals. We listen to our patients when taking a thorough history, understanding their expectations and demands of daily life. This may include:
- Holiday Plans. Preparing for a Holiday with large amounts of walking, walking on uneven surfaces like cobblestones, hills, stairs, carrying suitcases and maneuvering them onto luggage carousels, or in and out of taxis.
- Grandchildren. Taking an active role in caring for grandchildren. Having the necessary energy levels, or strength to carry young children and manipulating their carriers/ prams in and out of the car.
- Preventative. Optimising mobility and reducing the impact of ageing with exercise to ensure independent living for as long as possible.
- Adapting Exercise. By adapting exercise, or sport to meet the capabilities of the individual, we can often achieve continued participation in a much loved activity. We provide strategies, splints, braces or adapted equipment or alter exercise where appropriate.
- Sports Performance. Our older patients also wish to perform their best in a chosen activity. Creating exercise programs and cross training with other activities, our patients have achieved great results in Nordic Walking, Skiing, Golf, Tennis, Line Dancing, Cycling etc. By diagnosing any underlying conditions and thoroughly assessing movement and strength deficits, we then formulate an exercise plan that includes fitness goals with any restorative/ rehabilitation components that are relevant.
