Geriatric Rehabilitation

Adult Aging is a normal process. Some age-related bodily changes may be misunderstood and unnecessarily limit daily activities. Normal aging need not result in pain and decrease in physical mobility. A Physical Therapist is a source of information to understand these changes and offer assistance for regaining lost abilities or develop new ones. A Physical Therapist, working with the older adult, understands the anatomical and physiological changes that occur with normal aging. The Physical Therapist will evaluate and develop a specially designed therapeutic exercise program. Physical therapy intervention may prevent life long disability and restore the highest level of functioning. Through the use of tests, evaluations, exercises, treatments with modalities, screening programs, as well as educational information, Physical Therapists:

• increase, restore or maintain range of motion, physical strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and endurance
• recommend adaptations to make the home accessible and safe
• increase overall fitness through exercise programs
• prevent further decline in functional abilities through education, energy conservation techniques, joint protection, and use of assistive devices to promote independence
• improve sensation, joint proprioception
• reduce pain

Common Conditions A vast number of conditions are treated effectively with physical therapy intervention. Below are some examples of specific diseases and conditions that may affect older people and can be improved with physical therapy include:

• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Cerebral Vascular Accident (Stroke)
• Cancer
• Parkinson's Disease
• Amputations
• Cardiac and Pulmonary Diseases
• Coordination and Balance Disorders
  
• Functional Limitations related to mobility
• Sports/Orthopedic Injuries
• Joint Replacements
• Hip Fractures

For more information please see:  www.geriatricspt.org