Coping with long term physical problems as we get older

Having a long term condition is challenging. You never know how you will feel each morning when you wake up.

“Will I be able to get out of bed easily?”

“Will I be able to get down the stairs safely?”

“Will I be able to walk to the shops without too much pain?”

“Will I be able to lift the kettle with a strong enough grip to do it safely?”

“Will my balance be good enough for me to stand in the shower?”

As we age, we naturally lose muscle bulk and we have to exercise to maintain it, otherwise we will get weaker. Movement is so important to our physical and mental health.

At The Nerve Injury Clinic, we see many clients who find their long term condition (may that be MS, neuropathy, nerve pain, stroke, dystonia, hypermobility) affects them more as they get older.

Don’t worry, there is lots that can be done to improve pain, weakness, poor balance, stiffness, reduced stamina etc.

Neurological physiotherapy techniques of movement facilitation, posture re-alignment, muscle release techniques, nerve mobilisation, balance re-education, muscle stimulation, strengthening exercises and acupuncture as well as one to one yoga and personal training can have a huge effect on physical difficulties.

There is plenty of research to support the use of physiotherapy in neurological conditions in the long term. It may be that a short burst of physiotherapy is effective in providing relief or improving specific problems. Or an “assess, advise and regularly review” approach may be more suitable to the condition.

The NHS has limited resources for the support of those patients managing chronic conditions. However, current health advice is to stay as active as possible for as long as possible to stave off diabetes, heart disease and dementia, to name a few.

If you would like help with dealing with your health problem, then please get in contact with us.