Peningkatan Pengetahuan dan Kemampuan Lansia dalam Penanganan Nyeri Muskuloskeletal melalui Program Fisioterapi Komunitas di UPTD Griya Werdha Surabaya

Abstract

Introduction: Elderly individuals are vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders such as knee osteoarthritis, low back pain, and shoulder pain due to degenerative processes that may reduce functional ability and quality of life. Limited knowledge regarding independent physiotherapy exercises causes musculoskeletal pain management among the elderly to be less optimal. Purpose: This community service program aimed to improve the knowledge and abilities of elderly individuals in managing musculoskeletal pain through a community physiotherapy program at UPTD Griya Werdha Surabaya. Method: The program was conducted using educational and participatory methods through health education, demonstrations, exercise training, assistance, and evaluation. Participants consisted of 56 elderly residents experiencing musculoskeletal complaints. The interventions included Quadriceps Setting Exercise and hamstring stretching for knee pain, McKenzie exercises for low back pain, and shoulder stretching along with active-passive shoulder exercises for shoulder pain. Evaluation was carried out using the Verbal Descriptor Scale (VDS) and observation of functional abilities. Result: Assessment results showed that the most common complaint was knee pain (65%), followed by low back pain (20%) and shoulder pain (16%). After the program implementation, most elderly participants were able to perform the exercises independently, understand exercise instructions, and experience decreased pain levels as well as improved functional abilities in daily activities. Participants also showed enthusiasm and active participation throughout the program. Conclusion: The community physiotherapy program improved the knowledge and abilities of elderly individuals in performing independent physiotherapy exercises and helped reduce musculoskeletal pain while improving functional abilities. This program can serve as an effective promotive and preventive effort to improve the quality of life of elderly individuals through a community-based approach.