Geriatric rehabilitation

Main Conditions Treated Conditions encountered in geriatrics are often multiple in the same patient (multimorbidity): Osteoarticular and rheumatological conditions: Osteoarthritis (particularly gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis), osteoporosis with or without fracture complications (femoral neck fracture, vertebral compression fractures). Neurodegenerative and neurological disorders: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, post-stroke sequelae (CVA). Cardiorespiratory conditions: Heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and exercise deconditioning. Motor deconditioning syndrome: Often secondary to prolonged hospitalization or bed rest, combining muscle wasting (sarcopenia) and stiffness. The Great Scourge: Balance Disorders and Falls With age, the sensory and effector systems that allow balance maintenance deteriorate: Decreased sensory input: Reduced visual acuity, vestibular disorders, and altered proprioceptive sensitivity (especially in the feet). Neuromuscular decline: Loss of muscle mass and strength, slowing of reaction times. Repercussions: These physiological and pathological changes expose the elderly person to post-fall syndrome (panic fear of falling again, loss of spatial awareness, withdrawal) and significantly increase the risk of fractures and permanent loss of autonomy. The Different Rehabilitation Techniques Used Treatment is always individualized, based on a comprehensive assessment, and adapted to the patient's cognitive and physical capacities: Balance and proprioceptive training: Exercises on stable then unstable surfaces (if safe), transfers (sit-to-stand), and dual-tasking (walking while talking or manipulating an object) to stimulate automatic responses. Analytical and functional muscle strengthening: Fighting sarcopenia through exercises to strengthen lower limbs and trunk stabilizing muscles to secure standing and walking. Joint remobilization and maintenance of range of motion: To counter stiffness related to osteoarthritis or immobility. Endurance reconditioning: Supervised walking, use of adapted stationary bikes to improve cardiorespiratory capacity and combat chronic fatigue. Therapeutic education and environmental adaptation: Fall prevention advice at home, learning techniques to get up after a fall, and choosing the most suitable walking aid (walker, cane).