Benefits of Geriatric Physical Therapy for Older Adults

As we age, our physical abilities can begin to decline, our muscles become less flexible, our balance deteriorates, and our ability to perform repetitive movements can weaken. This can lead to severe issues like falls and fractures. Fortunately, there are many ways that an aging adult can maintain their physical health and independence. One of these ways is through geriatric physical therapy. It is a type of rehabilitation that helps older adults maintain or improve their quality of life by assisting them to regain lost functions or improve existing ones. This article will discuss some of the benefits of geriatric physical therapy for older adults and how Twin Boro can help you.

What is Geriatric Physical Therapy?

Geriatric Physical Therapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on evaluating and treating older adults. It is designed to address aging seniors’ unique needs and challenges, including physical impairments, balance and mobility issues, chronic pain, and diseases such as arthritis, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.

Twin Boro offers comprehensive geriatric physical therapy services to help aging seniors improve and maintain their physical health and independence. Our licensed physical therapists work with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their needs and goals. Our services include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, gait training, balance and coordination training, fall prevention, and home safety education. With our help, older adults can improve their mobility, reduce pain, and continue to live their best lives.

What Conditions Can Geriatric Physical Therapy Treat?

Geriatric physical therapy can treat a wide range of conditions and injuries, including:

• Arthritis: A common condition among older adults, arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Geriatric physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve joint function through targeted exercises and manual therapy techniques.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Parkinson’s disease can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and movement. Geriatric physical therapy can help improve balance, coordination, and mobility through targeted exercises and gait training.
• Stroke: after a stroke individuals will have varying degrees of movement and coordination difficulties. Through targeted exercises and neuromuscular re-education, geriatric physical therapy can help improve movement, strength, and function to affected areas.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that causes weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. Geriatric physical therapy can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of falls through weight-bearing exercises and fall prevention education.
• Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: These conditions can cause cognitive impairment and reduced mobility. Geriatric physical therapy can help maintain physical function and improve quality of life through exercises that promote flexibility, strength, and balance.

Twin Boro provides geriatric physical therapy services to help seniors improve and maintain their physical health and independence. Our licensed physical therapists develop personalized treatment plans and aim to help older adults improve mobility, reduce pain, and live their best lives.

What Can Geriatric Physical Therapy Help With?

Twin Boro Geriatric physical therapy can help decrease the impact of many impairments and limitations related to aging. Physical therapy interventions can help improve mobility, balance, flexibility, and strength. Here are some of the ways geriatric physical therapy can help aging adults:

• Improved Mobility: Our mobility and balance is affected as we age. Geriatric physical therapy can help improve gait, balance, and coordination through targeted exercises and gait training.
• Pain Reduction: Older adults are more likely to experience chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Geriatric physical therapy can help reduce pain through manual therapy techniques and targeted exercises.
• Fall Prevention: Falls are a significant cause of injury among older adults and can lead to hospitalization, disability, and reduced quality of life. Geriatric physical therapy can help reduce the risk of falls through balance training and education on home safety.
• Increased Independence: By improving mobility, reducing pain, and preventing falls, geriatric physical therapy can help older adults improve and maintain their independence and continue to live at home.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Studies have shown that physical activity can improve older adults’ overall quality of life. Geriatric physical therapy can help improve physical function, reduce pain, and increase confidence, leading to a better quality of life.

What Treatments Are Available in Geriatric Physical Therapy?

The treatments available in geriatric physical therapy are similar to those for younger patients. The goal is to help you recover from your injury or illness and return to your normal lifestyle as soon as possible. Here are some of the treatments available in geriatric physical therapy:

• Manual Therapy: This technique involves hands-on treatments of soft tissues and joints to improve the range of motion, reduce pain, and promote healing.
• Therapeutic Exercise: This includes targeted exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, and balance, which can help older adults maintain mobility and prevent falls.
• Gait Training: This technique involves teaching proper walking and standing techniques to improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls.
• Balance and Coordination Training: This includes exercises designed to improve balance and coordination, which can help reduce the risk of falls.
• Assistive Devices: These can include canes, walkers, and braces, which can help older adults maintain mobility and prevent falls.
• Education on Home Safety: This can include recommendations on how to make the home safer for older adults, such as removing trip hazards and installing grab bars.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy methods and techniques to produce changes consistent with the diagnosis, prognosis, and the patient or client’s goals.

Why Choose Twin Boro for Treatment for Geriatric Physical Therapy?

Twin Boro is a highly-rated physical therapy facility specializing in geriatric patients. We aim to help you get back on track with your daily activities and improve your quality of life. We do this by focusing on the areas that are most important to you: mobility and balance, strength and endurance, coordination, balance, and stability. We believe that everyone deserves to age with dignity and independence in their own homes or a retirement community. That’s why we offer a wide range of services, including geriatric physical therapy and orthopedic care, at affordable prices. Contact us to book your appointment.