Gerontological physiotherapists work with older adults across various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and home care. They address a wide range of physical conditions, chronic diseases, and age-related changes, aiming to enhance mobility, strength, balance, and functional abilities.

Here are some key aspects of gerontology in physiotherapy:

1. Assessment and Functional Evaluation

Gerontological physiotherapists conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate an older individual's physical functioning, mobility, balance, strength, flexibility, and functional abilities. They identify areas of impairment, risks, and potential for improvement.

2. Fall Prevention and Balance Training

Falls are a significant concern for older adults, and gerontological physiotherapists play a crucial role in fall prevention. They assess fall risk factors, design personalized exercise programs to improve balance and strength, and provide education on home modifications and environmental safety to reduce fall hazards.

3. Rehabilitation after Injury or Surgery

Gerontological physiotherapists support older adults in their recovery after injuries or surgeries, such as fractures, joint replacements, or neurological conditions. They develop rehabilitation programs that focus on restoring mobility, regaining strength and flexibility, managing pain, and facilitating a safe return to daily activities.

4. Chronic Disease Management

Older adults often live with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and neurological disorders. Gerontological physiotherapists provide interventions tailored to manage symptoms, improve functional capacity, and enhance self-management strategies for these conditions.

5. Pain Management

Chronic pain is prevalent among older adults and can significantly affect their quality of life. Gerontological physiotherapists use various techniques, including therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, electrotherapy, and pain education, to help manage pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being.

6. Assistive Device Prescription and Training

As individuals age, they may require assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to improve mobility and safety. Gerontological physiotherapists assess the need for assistive devices, prescribe appropriate equipment, and provide training on their use to optimize independence and mobility.

7. Health Promotion and Education

Gerontology in physiotherapy emphasizes health promotion and preventive care for older adults. Physiotherapists educate individuals on exercise programs, lifestyle modifications, falls prevention strategies, and the importance of physical activity to maintain functional abilities and overall health.

Gerontological physiotherapy takes a holistic and patient-centered approach, considering the individual's physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects. By addressing the specific needs and challenges of older adults, physiotherapists aim to optimize function, promote active aging, and enable older individuals to maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.

Enraf-Nonius offers many products that are needed in gerontology.

Specifications of treatment couches, electrophysical agents and our medical rehabilitation tools do meet the demands for gerontology.

Treatment Couches for gerontology

Enraf-Nonius has a complete line of treatment couches, from simple and very affordable tables to professional examination and treatment couches.

For gerontology, the Manumed Comfort stands out. It allows for the most optimal positioning of your patient, with individual leg positioning, and with lots of comfort. This couch can go to a minimum height of 46 cm, making a wheelchair transfer easy.

Another interesting couch is the Manumed Tilt. This is a tilting table couch for the "tilt table test" and for treatment in orthostatic hypertension. Both are often relevant in gerontology.

Electrophysical Agents for gerontology

Enraf-Nonius electrophysical agents products comprise all modalities that are effective in gerontology.

Look at the COMPACT-II for High Energy Inductive Therapy. It both stimulates cell metabolism and cell regeneration, but it also regulates the muscle tone and stimulates blood flow. In gerontology, the use of this unit is very attractive as the elderly patient does not need to undress. Time saving and convenient.

The same goes for the Curapuls 670 for pulsed shortwave therapy. Deep heath that is easy to apply.

Another product that really is relevant for gerontology is the Endopress 442. A professional unit for mechanical lymph drainage. Built for precision (up to 9 independent pressure chambers) hygiene and durability with a very high quality pump and high quality cleanable sleeves.

Medical rehabilitation products for Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic Treatments

Enraf-Nonius medical rehabilitation equipment is made for gerontology.
The active rehabilitation package contains as well strength training as well as cardiorespiratory training devices.

It also incorporates small exercise equipment like parallel bars, exercise stairs and a shoulder wheel, all extremely suited for the elderly.
Easy access and very small increments are standard for all Enraf-Nonius active rehabilitation devices.

Check out the EN-Motion treadmill. This unique treadmill is very easy to access for patients (with a step-up height of only 12 cm). The minimum velocity of the EN-Motion is so low that you can start using it in the early rehabilitation. And with the unique auto-speed, where the velocity is automatically adjusted according tot the patients' performance, the patient can train at his own level with his unique stride parameters and his own preferred walking frequency. This feature allows for the 6 minutes walking test, the only reliable and executable test for elderly patients.

Enraf-Nonius equipment is perfect for gerontology.