By Callum McVeigh 01/11/2024 Conditions

Age Related Rehabilitation

Have you put your symptoms down to old age?

If you have, you are not the only one. Age is the most common misdiagnosis we hear. Perhaps a family or friend has told you that “it’s just your age” or “that’s what happens when you get older”, so you’ve dismissed the problem. By avoiding the problem, your pain is only likely to get worse, limiting the activities you most enjoy.

It is true that normal, age-related changes happen in the body as we get older. Most commonly, muscle weakness causes us to become less active, further contributing to muscular weakness. It can affect balance, hobbies and quality of life, and the tasks we once took for granted become much more difficult.

Age is not a diagnosis

Let’s be very clear about this, age is not a diagnosis! It can’t be. If that were the case, then how can some 80-year-olds still run 10k races, but some 50-year-olds are unable to walk down the stairs without significant pain? You shouldn’t accept it as a reason for pain either.

There is always a real reason (or most likely a number of contributing factors) as to why you’re suffering with pain. A good physiotherapist will never dismiss your problems as age-related. Whilst there may be some normal age-related changes, there are certainly ways we can help. After a full assessment, we’ll devise a tailored exercise program for you, to help you keep as active, independent and safe as possible.

If you are currently living with pain, here are 5 common scenarios you may be familiar with:

You have accepted that your pain is just because of your age.
Your friends and family have told you that your pain is normal for someone your age.
You are beginning to rely more heavily on others and are losing your independence.
You have been to see your GP, who has also told you there’s nothing you can do.
You are increasingly worried about falling, and this makes you feel vulnerable.

If you would like to know how the team at Recover Physio can help, why not speak to one of our friendly physios first? Just click below to request a callback from a member of our team!

At Recover Physiotherapy, we are committed to helping you, to improve your quality of life. Our experienced team combines advanced physiotherapy techniques with a personalised approach to provide effective and lasting solutions.

Our physiotherapists have been trained by world leading experts and developed a systematic approach. This gives us confidence in finding the root cause for your injury and in order to plan a custom roadmap for recovery.

Find your nearest Recover Physio branch

If you’d like to book a consultation, you can book online at our Princes Street clinic in Norwich, Norfolk, or our clinic at The Nest, Holt Road, Norwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rehabilitation for the elderly?

Age-related rehabilitation is a specialised area of physiotherapy focused on helping older adults maintain their independence, mobility, and overall quality of life. It involves assessing and treating physical limitations, whether they stem from a specific event like surgery, a fall, or the progression of a long-term condition. The primary goal is to restore function, build strength and confidence, and keep you active and safe.

What are the main forms of age-related rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation for older adults is varied and tailored to the individual’s needs. Key forms include post-operative rehabilitation (especially after hip or knee replacements), falls prevention programmes (which focus on improving balance and strength), and management of chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. It also involves hands-on manual therapy to ease pain and stiffness, combined with personalised exercise plans to maintain function.

What are some of the reasons that older people need rehabilitation?

Older adults often seek physiotherapy to recover function following a surgical procedure, such as a joint replacement. Another common reason is to manage the pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility associated with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Many also benefit from rehabilitation to improve balance, reduce their risk of falls, and regain strength or confidence that may have been lost due to illness or inactivity.