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.Physical Therapy Services 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
- teach positioning, transfers, and walking skills
promote maximum function and independence within an individual's
capability
- 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.Examples of specific diseases and conditions
that may affect older people and be improved with physical therapy include:
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Cerebral Vascular Accident (Stroke)
- Cancer
- Parkinson's Disease
- Urinary and Fecal Incontinence
- Amputations
- Cardiac and Pulmonary Diseases
- Dementias
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Coordination and Balance Disorders
- Functional Limitations related to mobility
- Sports/Orthopedic Injuries
- Joint Replacements
- Hip Fractures
Reimbursement Physical therapy evaluation
and treatment is covered fully or in some percentage by:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Private Insurance Companies
- Options under the Federal Employee Health
- Benefit Programs
- Workers' Compensation Programs
- Private Pay
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organizations)
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations)
CredentialsPhysical Therapists (P.T.):
- Have completed coursework in the medical, biological,
physical and psychological sciences
- Graduate from an accredited education program
- Complete bachelors, masters or doctoral degrees with
special clinical experiences in physical therapy
- May opt to gain farther expertise and seek a clinical
speciality in geriatrics
- Meet licensure requirements required in all states
for PT's.
Physical Therapist Assistants (P.T.A.):
- Must have an associates degree from an accredited PT
assistant program
- Work under the direct supervision of a Physical Therapist
- Meet licensure requirements in states where it's required
