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