The effect of a foot physiotherapist on the mobility and stability of elderly people

One of the biggest challenges older people face is the decline in muscle strength. These muscles play a vital role in maintaining balance and stability. When muscles weaken, it can lead to an increased risk of falls and reduced ability to perform daily activities. Strength training specifically targeting the feet and legs can help strengthen these muscles and improve overall balance.

At Physio Fitaal, we focus on exercises that improve foot strength, flexibility and stability. By engaging in regular strength training, elderly people can maintain their muscle mass and improve their mobility. This not only helps reduce the risk of falls but also facilitates daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs and carrying groceries. Regular strength training, combined with functional exercises helps elderly people perform their daily activities with more ease and less pain. This includes exercises aimed at improving muscle strength in the feet, ankles and legs, as well as exercises that improve overall posture and balance.

As we age, the motor function of our brain declines. This results in reduced responsiveness and delayed information processing. The cerebellum, also known as the cerebellum, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. When the function of the cerebellum declines, it becomes more difficult to respond quickly and appropriately to stimuli. Think of raising the knee to step over something while walking. When we cannot perceive this quickly enough, it significantly increases the risk of falling. A foot physiotherapist can help reduce these risks through targeted exercises that improve coordination and responsiveness. By training specific movements and improving neuromuscular control, elderly people can improve their balance and stability.

Improving balance can be effectively achieved through exercise therapy. For the elderly, falls are a major cause of reduced quality of life. This can be caused by the anxiety associated with falls. At Physio Fitaal, we use exercise therapy to improve the active stability(postural system) of our patients training. This system should be able to maintain and restore balance. By performing targeted exercises, elderly people can improve their balance and reduce their risk of falling. This includes exercises that improve proprioception, or the ability to sense the body's position in space, as well as exercises that improve support surface stability.

Together with a physiotherapist at Fysio Fitaal, you will work on components such as balance, strength, coordination, mobility, endurance and stability. Through exercise therapy, we look at how to optimise the mobility and stability of the lower region (hip, knee, ankle, foot). This can be done both hands-on through passive treatment methods such as foot mobilisations and passive/active mobilisations, and hands-off with exercise therapy (training). By working together with a physiotherapist, elderly people can improve their balance and stability problems.

The impact of a foot physiotherapist on elderly people's mobility and stability can be significant. Through targeted strength training, balance and stability exercises, elderly people can maintain their muscle strength, improve their responsiveness and reduce their risk of falling. At Physio Fitaal, we are ready to help elderly people improve their mobility and stability so they can move with confidence and without fear. Do you recognise balance or stability issues due to an injury or condition to the ankle or foot region? If so, contact us at info@fysiofitaal.nl. Together, we will work towards a healthier, safer and more active life.