Gerontological physiotherapy in the primary health care: an experience in the northern region

Abstract

Objective: To describe the precursor experience of Physical Therapy based on the promotion of health and prevention of diseases and disabilities in a Basic Health Unit (BHU) in the city of Belém (PA).

Description of experience: This report comes from the professional experience over five years of the existence of a Physical Therapy program created to assist the BHU elderly users. It describes the deployment and consolidation process as an important geriatric service of the primary health care system of the city, as well as the physiotherapeutic actions developed in this promising path. Among the activities deployed in the physiotherapeutic program, highlight the individual outpatient care, physical activities for seniors and corporal practices of Chinese Traditional Medicine, educational activities in health and integrative practices to promote health.

Conclusion: Whereas the inclusion of Physical Therapy in BHU is still incipient, we believe that the implementation of a program of this nature is a viable initiative, from both the assistance and academic point of view and may serve as a model to be replicated by other cities managers.