Key Takeaways
- Physical therapy can help prevent problems, not only recover from them.
- Every exercise is adjusted to the person's abilities and pain level.
- A fall or near fall is one of several signs it may be time to start PT.
- Family members can help physical therapy carry over at home.
What Does a Geriatric Physical Therapist Do?
A geriatric physical therapist specializes in the movement needs of older adults.
"Physical therapists are movement specialists who focus on restoring function while managing symptoms," said Phylissa Meehan, DPT, Regional VP of Operations at HealthPRO Heritage—one of Sunrise Senior Living’s rehabilitative therapy partners.
A geriatrics PT can:
- Evaluate strength, balance, and mobility. Therapy starts with an assessment of how a senior moves, including strength, balance, walking, and fall risk.
- Build a personalized plan. Therapists create customized exercises and goals around a person's conditions and what they want to keep doing.
- Teach and coordinate care. Therapists also prescribe and teach at-home exercises and joint protection, and they communicate with the wider care team so progress carries over.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Seniors
Physical therapy can change how seniors move and feel day to day. Common benefits of physical therapy for seniors include the following positive health outcomes:
- Better balance and fewer falls. A physical therapist can assess fall risk and build a plan around strength, balance, and coordination.
- Less pain and stiffness. Targeted stretching, mobility work, and strengthening can ease the discomfort that keeps seniors from moving.
- Stronger muscles. Progressive strengthening helps with standing from a chair, climbing stairs, and carrying groceries.
- Smoother recovery. Therapy helps seniors regain function safely after surgery, a fracture, or a joint replacement.
- More independence. Regular, intentional movement through therapy can help seniors perform daily tasks and attend social activities on their own for longer.
"Physical therapy supports independence by improving the physical abilities required for daily life," Meehan said.
Conditions Physical Therapy Can Help Treat
Geriatric physical therapy addresses age-related changes in muscle strength, joint flexibility, and reaction time. It's commonly used to help with:
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Stroke recovery
- Balance and vestibular disorders
- Joint replacement and other post-surgical recovery
How Physical Therapy Helps with Arthritis
“Arthritis can affect nearly any joint in the body and is commonly associated with pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion," Meehan said.
Over time, arthritis can contribute to muscle weakness, decreased endurance, and a higher fall risk if movement becomes limited. A physical therapist can help manage the negative effects of arthritis through a PT plan that may include:
- Joint mobility and manual therapy to reduce pain
- Guided stretching and range of motion exercises
- Progressive strengthening programs
- Functional movement training
- Education on joint protection and activity modification
Physical Therapy Exercises for Seniors
Physical therapy exercises for geriatric adults are never one-size-fits-all. There are a wide range of exercises that to help with different physical health goals, including the following four categories.
Balance
Static drills, like standing steadily in place, and dynamic drills, like walking with changes in direction, help improve stability and reaction time. Some common exercises to help with balance and fall prevention include:
- Heel-to-toe walk
- Single leg stands
- Weight shifts
Strength
Lower-body strengthening builds the power behind daily movements. Some common examples include:
- Heel raises
- Sit-to-stands
- Step-ups
- Wall push-ups
Mobility and Flexibility
Gentle stretching and range of motion work keep joints moving more comfortably. Some mobility exercises may include:
- Ankle circles
- Neck stretches
- Seated leg raises
Endurance
Guided activities, like the following, help build stamina for longer days:
- Marching in place
- Walking programs
- Water aerobics
It’s important to note that seniors should not start any of the exercises listed above without speaking to their care team. It’s best to wait to start a new exercise regimen under a physical therapist's guidance.
Geriatric physical therapists assess a senior's abilities and goals to personalize a physical therapy exercise program. At Sunrise, our physical therapy partners at HealthPRO Heritage take this approach with residents.
"Every therapy program is individualized based on the resident's condition, tolerance, and goals. We have to consider the load, intensity, and positioning of a patient during each exercise, and the objective is to provide a safe, progressive challenge without exacerbating symptoms," Meehan said.
Signs a Senior May Benefit from Physical Therapy
Not sure whether it's time to start? According to Meehan, a senior may benefit from physical therapy if they:
- Have trouble with mobility, such as walking or moving from a bed to a chair
- Have stiff joints or reduced mobility
- Avoid activity because of pain
- Have had a recent fall or near fall
- Find daily tasks, like dressing or bathing, harder than before
If you notice one or more of these signs, talk with a doctor about whether a physical therapy evaluation makes sense.
Where Seniors Can Receive Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for seniors can take place in a few settings. The right one depends on a person's needs, health, and where they live.
Senior Rehabilitation Services
Senior rehabilitation services help older adults regain function after a hospital stay, surgery, injury, or illness. Physical therapy is often one part of a broader program that may also include occupational therapy, which focuses on daily tasks like dressing and bathing, and speech therapy. Elderly rehabilitation programs usually begin with an evaluation, followed by goals set with the person and their care team.
In-Home Physical Therapy
In-home physical therapy for seniors brings a licensed therapist to the person's residence, so they can work on strength, mobility, and balance without traveling to a clinic. Working in the space where someone lives also lets the therapist tailor exercises to real-life challenges, like getting out of a favorite chair. Services may include:
- Strength, balance, and mobility training
- Home safety and fall-risk assessments
- Recovery support after surgery, a fall, or a hospital stay
- Help with conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and stroke recovery
- Education for family members on supporting safe movement
On-Site Therapy in Senior Living
Therapy that's available where a senior already lives eliminates travel and scheduling hurdles. Fortunately, this also applies to some senior living communities like Sunrise Senior Living.
"On-site therapy provides access to immediate evaluation, intervention, and ongoing monitoring," Meehan said.
At Sunrise, HealthPRO Heritage provides an integrated approach that includes:
- Skilled therapy services focused on function and outcomes
- Wellness programs, including balance, mobility, and strength classes
- Education initiatives, including a discovery series and health literacy
- Collaboration with wellness and life enrichment teams
- Technology that helps monitor progress over time
"The focus is always on helping residents move better, feel better, and live more independently," Meehan said.
How to Find a Geriatric Physical Therapist for Seniors
Finding a physical therapist for seniors starts with knowing where to look. Options include:
- Ask a doctor for a referral: A primary care provider or specialist can recommend therapists who work with older adults. Insurance may require a referral, so check coverage first.
- Look for geriatric experience: Some therapists have advanced training or certification in geriatrics, so make sure to ask about it.
- Check senior living communities: Some offer on-site therapy, which removes the need to travel.
- Consider in-home physical therapy providers: Home health agencies and in-home therapy practices deliver care at the person's residence.
- Use a professional directory: Directories of licensed physical therapists let you search by location and specialty.
Questions to Ask a Potential Physical Therapist
As you begin your search for a geriatric physical therapist and weigh your options, consider asking the following questions:
- What experience do you have with older adults and this condition?
- How do you adjust exercises for different abilities and pain levels?
- Can family members attend sessions?
- How will you track progress?
How Family Members Can Support Safe Movement
Progress in therapy doesn't stop when a session ends. "Caregivers and family members play a vital role in supporting success," Meehan said.
To help a family member with their mobility, you can:
- Attend therapy sessions when possible. Therapists encourage caregivers to join sessions so they can learn the exercises and techniques and reinforce them at home.
- Support the home exercise program. A little daily practice helps gains carry over between visits.
- Follow pain management and positioning guidance. Reinforcing what the therapist recommends keeps movement comfortable and safe.
- Make home safety modifications. Small changes, like clearing tripping hazards and improving lighting, can make everyday movement safer.
"It's important to encourage independence, rather than doing tasks for the individual when they are capable," Meehan said.
Letting a senior do what they safely can, at their own pace, helps build the strength and confidence therapy is working toward.
FAQs About Physical Therapy for Seniors
As you consider physical therapy for yourself or a loved one, you may have a few questions, so we’ve answered some of the most common ones below.
How Long Does Physical Therapy Last for Seniors?
It depends on the person's condition, goals, and progress. Some seniors need a few weeks of therapy after a procedure or injury, while others benefit from a longer or ongoing program. The therapist will set a timeline after the first evaluation and adjust it as the person improves.
Do Seniors Need a Referral for Physical Therapy?
Referral requirements for physical therapy vary by state and insurance plan, according to the American Physical Therapy Association. Many people can see a physical therapist without a physician's referral, but some plans require one before they'll cover care. Check with the insurance provider or ask the therapist's office before scheduling.
Should Physical Therapy Hurt?
Some mild soreness can be normal as the body adapts to new activity, but therapy shouldn't cause sharp or worsening pain. A good therapist adjusts the exercises to keep the challenge safe. Seniors should tell their therapist if something hurts.
Turn to Sunrise for Mobility and Therapy Support
At Sunrise, mobility support is built into how we care for each resident. Every senior receives a care assessment before moving in, and their Individualized Service Plan captures mobility needs alongside personal preferences. With physical therapy services from providers like HealthPRO Heritage, fitness programming focused on balance, mobility, and strength, and communities designed for safer movement, seniors have support close to home.
Services vary by community so if you have questions, be sure to find a Sunrise near you. Our team members are happy to help you learn more about how our communities support seniors with mobility challenges.