Benefits to Geriatric PT

In my experience, I have learned that physical therapy intervention can prevent life-long disabilities, restoring a person’s level of functioning to its highest level. Among the conditions treated by Physical Therapists in skilled nursing facilities are osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, post-stroke conditions, functional impairments secondary to cancer, after-care for joint replacements, and others. One major goal of a Physical Therapist is to restore mobility, increase aerobic endurance, reduce pain, and provide highest functional level with use of AD. Geriatric physical therapy is a proven means for older adults to improve their level of physical ability including balance and strength, build confidence, and remain active. A physical therapist uses things such as treatments with modalities, exercises, educational information, and screening programs to accomplish a number of goals with the person they are working with, in order to reduce pain, improve sensation, joint proprioception, increase overall fitness through exercise programs, suggest assistive devices to promote independence ,recommend adaptations to make the person’s home accessible and safe, prevent further decline in functional abilities through education, energy conservation techniques, joint protection, increase, restore or maintain range of motion, physical strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and endurance, teach positioning, transfers, and walking skills to promote maximum function and independence within the person’s capability.

In my practice, I have also realized that in order for an excellent prognosis and functional outcome it is of utmost importance to educate caregivers, family members, nursing staff, and the patient on regular basis in regards to safety precautions, safe transfer technique, correct use of AD, and educate the benefits of being active in order to optimize good health.