Download Resources: Falls Prevention

The care of the elderly is of particular interest at West Cork Physiotherapy. Among the areas we cover are:

• Rehabilitation Post Fracture i.e., Wrists/Hips etc.
• Gait Training
• Balance Re-education
• Advice on devices such as Cane/Suports/Braces/Walking Frames etc.
• Exercise Programmes for Osteoporosis
• Transfer training – Bed to Chair etc.
• Advice on devices for the Home
• Home exercise programmes specific to the patient
• All Musculo-Skeletal conditions i.e., Neck/Back/Hip/Shoulder pain etc.

We are happy to liaise with family members and/or General Practitioners to facilitate the best possible outcome and safety for patients living at home.

KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS AND THE ELDERLY

Blame this kind of joint pain on cartilage or a lack thereof. As the connected tissue wears away the subsequent bone-on-bone contact can trigger pain ranging from mild to severe. It is more common among obese people (as excess weight increases pressure on joints) and the elderly (because cartilage deteriorates with age), but it can also develop from an injury like a torn Meniscus or Anterior Cruciate Ligament. Cortisone injections are one option but overdoing the shots may worsen joint damage which is why many GPs limit the number rendered.

An alternative treatment is Acupuncture. This needling technique has been used to treat pain for centuries and evidence suggests it can be particularly effective in treating knee osteoarthritis. Research believes the needles may trigger nerves to signal the brain to release endorphins, a naturally occurring phenonomen that dulls pain.