What Does Geriatric Mean

What Does Geriatric Mean in Physical Therapy?

Geriatric can be defined as medical specialty that deals with the problems of old age and the treatment of individuals over the age of 60. Tailored geriatric physical therapy programs not only help patients regain mobility and optimize function, they can also reduce the risk of debilitating injuries, such as falls.

Let’s take a look at what geriatric means with regards to physical therapy and how it can help patients stay active (and independent) as they age.

Geriatric Physical Therapy

Research shows that treatment programs for individual at any age can help to restore mobility, reduce pain, improve strength and maximize fitness levels. However, as medical care becomes more complex with age, geriatric rehabilitation treatments are critical to help patients overcome conditions such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, balance disorders, Parkinson’s Disease, joint replacement rehab and neurological disorders.

Physical therapy for geriatrics is beneficial for more reasons, including lowering risk of injury (improving stability), decreasing pain due to chronic conditions (such as arthritis and osteoporosis), lessening the reliance for prescription drugs and maintaining an independent lifestyle.

Not only that, but studies show that the effectiveness of a tailored physical therapy program for the elderly can help to reduce the severity of falls and slow the deterioration of physical decline as well. Considering falls are a leading cause of death and disability in the elderly, physical therapy remains an important consideration for geriatrics.

Geriatric Rehab in NJ

At each of our 23 Twin Boro locations, our skilled experts utilize a unique One2Four approach for all patients, including our geriatric rehabilitation patients. We offer unique treatments and an individualized plan of care to guide geriatric patients from lower levels of function where assistance from others is needed to being independent in daily activities achieved at higher functional levels. Providing the right level of health care is essential to maximize function of geriatric patients.

Read more: What is the One2Four Advanced Physical Therapy Technique?

Treatment for our geriatric population will focus on their specific goals, but may include hands-on Manual Therapeutic Technique (MMT), Therapeutic Exercises (TE), Neuromuscular Reeducation (NMR), stretching, exercises and modalities including the use of ultrasound and/or electrical muscle stimulation to help decrease inflammation and pain of the involved area.

Call us at1-732-444-3578 or schedule an appointment to learn more about our specialized geriatric rehab programs designed to help restore mobility, reduce overall pain and increase function levels.

Why Choose Twin Boro Physical Therapy

Voted Readers’ Choice Best of New Jersey, Twin Boro has provided NJ residents with high quality physical therapy and rehab for over 38 years! It’s our award-winning approach, proven results and reputation that sets us apart. By incorporating the One2Four program into each patient’s program, the latest and most reliable scientific research and techniques are incorporated into effective evidence-based practice. We deliver only the highest standard of care with the unique One2Four approach.

It’s no surprise that Twin Boro Physical Therapy has also been voted the best physical therapy practice in New Jersey by the readers of mycentraljersey.com.