Geriatric Physical Therapy

As we age, our bodies require more specialized care and attention in order to stay healthy and active. At our physical therapy practice, we recognize these individual needs and provide a tailored approach to address every client’s unique condition. Our experienced team of physical therapists will take the time to thoroughly assess the situation and provide personalized guidance on how to best promote healing as well as maintain long-term health. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or recovering from an injury, our focus is on helping you achieve lasting results so that you can continue to enjoy life to its fullest.

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geriatric physical therapy

What Is Geriatric Physical Therapy?

Geriatric physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to help older adults enhance their strength, improve their balance, increase self-confidence, and remain independent for as long as possible. Furthermore, this type of therapy encourages regular physical activity, helping seniors to maintain positive mental and physical health.

According to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, an alarming one-third of people aged 65 or older experience falls at least once a year. This highlights the importance of geriatric physical therapy in helping seniors stay safe and healthy. Geriatric physical therapists can develop individualized programs that utilize a range of techniques such as strengthening exercises, postural adjustment, joint mobilization, stretching, posture re-education and other modalities to help build strength and coordination while decreasing the risk of falls.

In addition to reducing the risk of falls for seniors, geriatric physical therapy can also improve overall mobility by enhancing range of motion, stability, flexibility and endurance needed for daily tasks such as getting out of bed unassisted or performing household chores.

What Does an Geriatric Physical Therapist Do?

Geriatric physical therapists are physical therapists who specialize in the senior polulation and help older adults regain the strength, balance, and coordination necessary for improved walking ability, increased mobility, and overall functioning.

Geriatric therapists tailor exercises and activities that target specific muscle groups, our therapists work to build strength and stability in order to assist with everyday movements such as standing up from a seated position, navigating stairs, and walking on various surfaces. Such therapeutic intervention can improve an individual’s independence and enable them to perform normal daily tasks without assistance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Get Physical Therapy at Home?
For elderly individuals who require physical therapy but cannot easily leave their home, in-home physical therapy can be an ideal option. Through a referral from the patient’s doctor, physical therapists can travel to the patient’s residence and provide the necessary treatment. This allows older patients to receive care without risking their health or safety by traveling away from home.
How Does Physical Therapy Help the Elderly?
Physical therapy can help the elderly maintain or improve their movement, balance, and strength. It may also help reduce pain and improve daily activities such as walking, getting dressed, reaching for items, and climbing stairs. Physical therapists use various treatments based on a person’s needs to achieve these goals.

These treatments include exercises such as stretching, strength training and aerobic conditioning; manual techniques such as massage or mobilization; postural correction; modalities like heat therapy or electrical stimulation; education to improve self-management skills; and assistive devices that allow people to remain functionally independent. With physical therapy interventions tailored specifically to meet an individual’s needs, the elderly can stay healthy longer and enjoy life more fully.

What Exercises Are Good For Older Adults?
Low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking and swimming are good for older adults. Strengthening exercises using weights or resistance bands can also be beneficial to help maintain muscle mass. Flexibility exercises, such as yoga and stretching, can improve range of motion and help with balance.All of these activities should be done under proper supervision by a trained instructor or health care provider.
What Exercises Should Older Adults Avoid?
Older adults should prioritize low impact exercises that emphasize slow and controlled movements. These activities can include simple body weight exercises, such as squats, lunges, and planks, or light resistance exercises, like using bands or dumbbells. Doing so helps ensure joints move properly and muscles are activated without putting any unnecessary strain on them. Additionally, it’s important to focus on proper form to prevent any potential injuries that could be caused by improper technique.

What to Expect From Your Visit

When you visit a geriatric physical therapist, you can expect to be evaluated for any functional limitations that may affect your ability to complete everyday activities. Your physical therapist will assess your strength, balance, range of motion and endurance in order to create an individualized exercise plan tailored to help you reach your goals.

In addition, they may recommend assistive devices or changes in lifestyle and daily habits that can help improve your safety and functional abilities. Finally, they will discuss ways that you can stay motivated with home exercises or other outlets of physical activity.