Physiotherapists are allied health practitioners. They specialise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating issues with how the body moves.
Physiotherapists help clients regain physical function, perform meaningful tasks, and improve their quality of life. They play an important role in the wellness and reablement approach.
Physiotherapists can support older people through a wide variety of age-related changes. They provide management techniques for chronic pain, falls prevention, dementia, and more.
Do you work in aged care? Are you thinking about referring your client to a physiotherapist? This article is for you. Learn when and how physiotherapists can promote your client's goals for independence.
What does a physiotherapist do in aged care?
Physiotherapists in aged care help manage movement and mobility issues that can come with ageing. These include:
- Chronic pain from surgery, arthritis, and other ongoing conditions.
- Balance and mobility difficulties that increase the risk of falls and injury.
- Breathing difficulties and respiratory conditions.
- Neurological conditions like dementia, stroke, and Parkinson's disease.
- Muscle stiffness, weakness, and other factors affecting strength, balance, and endurance.
- Specialised conditions including incontinence, vestibular dysfunction (dizziness, vertigo), and sleep disturbances.
In short, physiotherapists support older people to maintain and improve their mobility so they can participate in daily life.
What is the physiotherapist assessment and treatment process?
Physiotherapists follow a structured, person-centred approach when assessing, diagnosing, and treating their clients. Let's go through the steps one by one:
Assessment
To begin, the physiotherapist identifies the underlying movement or mobility issue by:
- Reviewing the person's medical history.
- Discussing the nature, onset, and severity of symptoms.
- Evaluating strength, balance, range of motion, and other relevant physical abilities. This includes assessing their ability to manage daily tasks like getting in and out of chairs, beds, and using steps.
- Completing or referring for additional examinations like ultrasounds or urinary tests.
- Determining the impact on the person's daily activities and lifestyle.
- Liaising with other health professionals to ensure a holistic, person-centred approach.
Goal setting
Once the physiotherapist has identified the issue, they collaborate with the person to set SMART goals. The goals should align with their needs, values, and priorities for daily living.
Treatment plan
The physiotherapist and client then work together to create a treatment plan that:
- Addresses the identified issue.
- Builds on the person’s existing strengths.
- Aligns with their personal goals.
- Enhances their capacity for function, independence, and quality of life.
The treatment plan may include physical exercises, manual therapy, patient education, and other strategies. We'll explore these in the next section.
Review
After putting the treatment plan into action, the physiotherapist monitors progress. They make adjustments as needed to help the person stay on track.
This process aligns with the wellness and reablement approach. It shapes and responds to the person's overall wellbeing and goals for independence.
What treatment strategies do physiotherapists use in aged care?
Physiotherapists in aged care use a mix of strategies to support their clients through age-related changes. Here are some examples:
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Manual therapy
Physiotherapists use their hands to apply pressure and move muscles and joints. This helps to restore movement and support recovery.
Education and self-management
Physiotherapists help clients and their families understand the underlying issue and its impact. They teach self-management techniques and lifestyle changes that promote improved:
- Recovery.
- Function.
- Independence.
Equipment prescription and environmental modifications
Physiotherapists prescribe assistive devices like walking frames and orthotics. They also educate clients on their use.
They may also complete basic home safety screening. They can identify when an occupational therapist is needed for modifications.
When should you refer to a physiotherapist in aged care?
With these treatment strategies in mind, let’s look at when to refer to a physiotherapist and what they can do to help.
Overall, early referral is crucial. Addressing changes in movement or function as soon as they happen can prevent further decline and lead to better outcomes.
Mobility decline
Is your client finding it difficult to walk, move from sitting to standing, or perform daily tasks without feeling tired or unsteady?
A physiotherapist could assess walking patterns and prescribe exercises to improve:
- Strength.
- Balance.
- Coordination.
Falls risk
Has your client fallen recently and feels nervous about falling again?
A physiotherapist could design a personalised balance program to help them:
- Understand the role of mobility and balance.
- Regain their confidence to be active.
Post-hospitalisation
Is your client recovering from hospital and struggling to regain strength and independence?
A physiotherapist could provide functional rehabilitation focusing on movement. They may prescribe manual and exercise therapy to increase activity in a safe way and reduce the risk of readmission.
Chronic pain
Is your client living with ongoing pain that limits daily movement and activities?
A physiotherapist could educate them on pain management techniques like:
- Supportive exercises.
- Pacing.
- Relaxation.
A physiotherapist could also educate the person on their condition. Understanding their condition better could help your client function with more confidence.
Before referring to a physiotherapist, be sure to review your organisation’s referral policies.
How do you ensure a physiotherapist is qualified and registered?
To make sure a physiotherapist is appropriately qualified and registered, check out our page on allied health qualification and registration requirements.
Keen to learn more about physiotherapy and other allied health roles in aged care? Contact us to organise a free professional development presentation for your team.