Maintaining muscle strength, flexibility and mobility are important for our all-round health but especially so as we get older. So often, we hear about elderly people having falls that result in bone fractures. Age-related loss of muscle mass, poor balance and gait are some of the contributory factors that cause people to fall.
Our expert in-house physiotherapy team at Chiswick Nursing Centre is dedicated to working with our residents to keep them as fit as possible and reduce the likelihood of a fall. Everyone has a tailored plan to improve and maintain balance, flexibility and overall physical wellbeing.
We use a range of equipment and apparatus but among the easiest and popular are small exercise balls. These are easy to hold and engage the muscles in a gentle, controlled manner. They can help improve grip strength, flexibility, co-ordination and range of movement in the arms, shoulders and upper body.
Simple knee lifts, heel lifts and even toe taps can build strength in the legs and feet. For those who are able to stand, doing so on one leg for 5-10 seconds will assist in maintaining balance. Aim to move up to 30 seconds per leg. Gentle squats and stretches will also build muscle strength. Any exercise will also improve circulation and help control blood pressure. A sudden drop in blood pressure when getting up from a seated or lying position has been shown as a contributor to falls or dizziness.
We provide specialist exercise programmes those who are recovering from injury, chronic conditions or surgery that may have kept them off their feet for a while. Our physiotherapy service is available to the local community as well as our own residents. We have seen a steadily increasing uptake of our outpatient physiotherapy service.
Whatever the need or whoever needs it, our physio team is here to help keep us all keep moving together.