Aging slows down the body as its resistance to aches and pains wears out. But while pain is inevitable, managing pain through various pain relief mediums helps alleviate the problem. These products help many seniors regain an active lifestyle, improve physical and mental health, minimize dependence on others and restore their daily physical activities. In addition, caregivers can also benefit from the help of these products in making sure the elderly are comfortable and at ease under their care.
The good news is that pain management in older adults has become increasingly convenient with new cutting-edge products that not only offer great pain relief but can also be used with ease. The elderly can now manage the common muscular, bone, and joint pains from the comfort of home with the numerous products that are available today.
Chronic muscle pain in the back, shoulders, neck, and limbs can be debilitating. Most elderly are subject to elaborate deep tissue treatments that may affect them in the long run. A heat belt offers pain relief and healing while on the go. The localized heat therapy can be applied to the problem area and strapped on. Many heat belts on the market come with special features to suit your specific needs. Some may have a dual thermostat that controls the amount of heat automatically, while others have extra flexible bands that can be worn around your knees and elbows while allowing for free movement as you go about your day.
Knee Pads
When it comes to the best knee pain relief products, a well-designed knee pad tops the chart. While knee problems are common, the elderly are especially at risk because of the physiological changes that occur to the knee structure over time. This makes them more susceptible to knee injuries or even painful conditions that occur naturally. Whatever method of treatment or pain management you choose for your knee issues, be it surgery or physiotherapy, a knee pad is an effective way to manage pain and rehabilitate your knees. Knee pads provide mild compression while keeping the knee cap in place, preventing any further injury. A wide variety of knee pads provide different angles of support and different levels of compression so that you can choose the perfect amount of support and mobility according to your day-to-day activities.
Acupressure Mats
The method of acupressure hails from traditional Chinese medicine, where it’s believed that the pressure helps relieve clogged-up energy from the tissue. Many find acupressure massage very helpful in pain relief, and the elderly in particular can benefit from its therapeutic effects. Unlike massage, acupressure mats indiscriminately provide equal pressure to all pressure points but are easily accessible and convenient to use, even at home. Studies and reports show that people found acupressure mats helpful in finding relief in conditions such as neck and back pain, sciatica, muscle stiffness, headaches, and even just stress and tension. It is recommended that they be used consistently to see their benefits.
Back Braces For Spinal Support
Over time, our bodies are unable to support spinal pressure due to wear and tear and weakening back muscles. This is when a back brace steps in. By providing a slight amount of pressure around the torso, a brace can reduce muscle tension and give your spine that much-needed support. By restricting painful movements, it can provide overall pain relief and comfort and prevent injury. While some are prescribed a specific back brace by a medical practitioner, you may find it helpful to get an over-the-counter one to give you some pain relief. Just be sure to use it according to its specified instructions.
Adjustable Seat Cushions
We generally have a hard time staying seated in the correct posture, but it’s even harder to do so with the reduced spine support that comes with old age. The result is chronic back pain. A seat cushion offers a solution in two ways, first by making sure that you’re seated in the correct posture and then by providing extra padding that soothes already existing backaches. Made with various supportive materials such as memory foam and contouring gel, the ergonomic designs of these cushions are ideal in providing that much-needed support and pain relief as you sit to work or simply just relax.
Step2Bed
While this product may not provide direct pain relief, it is useful in reducing its risk. The portable medical step stool is a revolutionary solution to a problem many seniors face while getting in and out of bed. With the step2bed, they can get in and out with safety and ease. Most beds sit too high for comfort, and those that suffer from joint pains and hip mobility issues tend to develop aches and pains with the repeated effort of climbing in and out of bed. Durable rails and handles on the step2bed offer extra support, while the adjustable height of the steps allows seniors to use the product specifically to suit their needs. Over time, seniors feel the relief offered in having this added convenience. Moreover, the non-slip grip tape on the steps also decreases the chances of falling or any accidents.
There are many options available for pain management in older adults. And while over-the-counter painkillers are available, they should be avoided without proper consultation with a physician. The pain relief products mentioned here provide a great alternative to more intrusive methods and may even help reduce dependency on tablets, drugs, or even surgery.
Vince Baiera is the founder of step2health, a mobility aids and wellness company for older adults. He is a former ICU Nurse of the Cleveland Clinic and Duke University Hospital in the Cardiac ICU. With years of working on the frontlines, Vince noticed the struggles of older adults and people with mobility issues that became an impediment for both patients and their caretakers. He then designed and created the patented product, Step2Bed (and its variants) that helps seniors and those with mobility issues safely get in and out of bed. His philosophy concerning aging is to plan ahead and start with simple home and life modifications to avoid being overwhelmed at retirement.
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