Physical Therapy for Grandfathers

The patriarch of any family is an important figurehead. He sits at the head of the proverbial and literal table, and passes down knowledge from generations prior, peppered by the experiences he himself has acquired over his many decades on this earth. Then there’s the really important stuff. He makes magic quarters appear from behind the ears of baffled grandkids, and is responsible for handing down those terrible dad jokes. He also has veto power over parents’ decisions to not allow one more cookie or cupcake after (and often before) dinner.

Statistics Canada reports that there are 3.3 million grandfathers across the country, but in your family there’s only one that matters most. We’re not talking about the in-law counterpart, but YOU. After all, you’ve taken the time to research supplemental ways to improve your health so that you remain vibrant and healthy to the benefit of the family for many years to come. This is where physiotherapy comes in. Below is a breakdown of how you will directly benefit from making physical a regular part of your wellness plan.

4  Ways Grandfathers Directly Benefit from Seeing a Physiotherapist

1. Because You Can Get Osteoporosis Too

Grandmothers experience at a proportionately greater rate than grandfathers, with 33% of women experiencing it in their lifetime, compared to men at 22%. Regardless, the common bone disease impacts hundreds of thousands of grandfathers in Canada. Moreover, Osteoporosis Canada reports that one-year mortality for older men who suffer an osteoporosis-induced hip fracture is significantly higher than that of older women.

Thankfully, physical therapy interventions can turn this threat around. Physiotherapy clinics that specialize in men’s health will create a custom exercise program to strengthen your muscles and bones. You will see and feel results in the days, weeks, months that progress. Ongoing treatment will help prevent and manage osteoporosis. If you live in the Greater Vancouver BC area, call 604.558.2273 to book your first consultation.

2. Helps Manage Arthritis

Like with osteoporosis, grandmothers are more likely than grandfathers to have the condition which is characterized by inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. But again, you’re certainly not excused from risk. The Arthritis Society reports that 6 million Canadians have arthritis, and 40% of them (2.4 million) are men. If you’re even experiencing mild symptoms then you know how it can have a direct impact on your quality of life. The good news is that physical therapy can intervene to your benefit too. Physiotherapist-guided k-taping can be helpful in managing the condition. The same is true of acupuncture and IMS among other treatments can help depending upon how mild to severe your symptoms are. Physiotherapy for managing arthritis is also a safer alternative to dangerous painkillers.

If arthritis is getting in the way of being the best grandfather you can be, and you’re in the Greater Vancouver area, contact our Burnaby clinicto to book an appointment.

3. Improves Balance and Prevents Falls

Health Canada reports that although a proportionately larger number of elderly women are injured from falling when compared to men, fall-related mortality rates are higher among men. This appears to be a consistent pattern among musculoskeletal ailments.

While the loss of balance and risk of falling increases with advanced age, you can dramatically reduce your risk through physiotherapy. Physio interventions can be applied to directly minimize the potential for slips, trips, and other causes of falls that sideline your health. A physiotherapist can work with you to improve your Gait (manner of walking), vestibular function, core fitness, and ultimately your balance. View more about how we reduce your overall risk of falling.

4. Facilitates More Active Time with Your Grandkids!

Everything addressed above (and more) infers that physiotherapy will vastly improve your quality of life by reducing pain and discomfort while improving musculoskeletal function and mobility. The direct result of this, is that you’ll be able to enjoy more active time with your grandkids. What greater motivation could there be?