Helping the Sydney community with relationships, parenting, ageing, disability, pastoral services and mental wellbeing.
Recognising the need for physiotherapy can be challenging. Sheena, a physiotherapist with Integritas (´ºÃÎÖ±²¥â€™s Allied Health arm), shares what the process is like for helping clients begin their journey.
1. How can physiotherapy support older Australians in staying independent, active and confident to live independently at home?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping older Australians remain safe and independent in their own homes. Many older individuals face challenges such as decreased strength, balance issues, chronic pain, chronic illness, and a general fear of falling, which can limit their independence.
Physiotherapists begin by identifying the specific factors affecting a person’s ability to live independently, such as mobility limitations, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, or poor balance.
From there, we provide education to help clients understand their bodies, the aging process, and how physiotherapy can support them. Education empowers clients to take charge of their health and make informed decisions.
We then implement a targeted exercise program focused on improving strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility. These exercises are tailored to the individual’s goals and needs, with the aim of both improving function and maintaining it long-term.
Importantly, we encourage clients to build an ongoing exercise habit, which supports not only physical health but also mental wellbeing and confidence in daily life.
2. What are some of the common issues or concerns you help older clients manage through physiotherapy?
Older adults often face a range of concerns that physiotherapy can help address, including:
Through education, encouragement, and tailored support, physiotherapy helps older adults overcome these barriers, empowering them to regain independence, improve physical function, and build confidence in their daily lives.
3. Can you share a success story or memorable moment where physiotherapy made a real difference in someone’s life?
One memorable case involved a client referred for physiotherapy due to severe arthritis, which had significantly impacted her mobility and ability to perform daily tasks. She experienced persistent pain and was struggling with even simple activities, such as buttoning up her clothes or walking short distances.
Over the course of three months with 12 physiotherapy sessions, we worked together on pain management strategies, tailored exercises, and education around how regular movement and strengthening could support her joints and overall health.
She was highly engaged and began doing exercises in her own time. At her review assessment, she reported no pain, showed significant improvement in her mobility tests, and most importantly, regained her independence. She was once again able to walk to the shops on her own, something that brought her joy and freedom. It was a very proud and emotional moment for both of us.
4. What advice would you give to older adults who are unsure about starting physiotherapy or think they’re ‘too old’ to benefit?
Physiotherapy isn’t about turning back time; it’s about preserving your independence, preventing further decline, and helping you enjoy your life to the fullest. Even small gains in strength, flexibility, or balance can make a big difference in your daily comfort and confidence.
The Integritas Allied Health team offer an empathetic and gentle approach to physiotherapy. Our experienced team can help support you and your loved ones to achieve the mobility and function necessary to allow you to maintain your independence at home.
To book a consultation or a follow-up appointment, call 13 18 19.