Geriatric rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy that is designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by older adults, typically those aged 65 and older.

Aging does not have to be associated with stopping the activities that you love due to pain and stiffness when moving.  Central Virginia Physical Therapy has an established reputation for providing advanced, evidence-based care that meets the needs of each individual patient.  We are dedicated to providing patients with the best treatments and functional outcomes.

Conditions We Treat:

• Osteoarthritis
• Balance Disorders
• Joint Replacements
• Osteoporosis
• Neurologic Disorders

Can Physical Therapy Help?

Older adults tend to become less active over time, experience a decrease in muscle strength, coordination and reaction timing, and have a lower tolerance to physical activity.  By identifying the specific impairments and limitations of each patient, the skilled therapists at CVPT can tailor a treatment program that uses exercises, joint mobilizations and specific equipment to help improve mobility and function.  Your therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to assess and determine the following:

• Strength: Muscle testing is performed to determine if there is evidence of isolated weakness or strength imbalances.

• Flexibility: Range of motion measurements will be taken to determine if there is reduced joint movement and what specific structures are limiting the motion.
  
  
• ADL Assessment: Our therapists will review what activities you have difficulty with and will assist with modification techniques to improve these functional limitations.

• Gait and Balance: Our therapists will assess your gait and balance over a variety of surfaces and challenges. 
  
  

Physical Therapy Treatments

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on treatments to include soft-tissue mobilization, stretching and joint mobilization to improve mobility and range of motion as well as to reduce pain and inflammation.

• Therapeutic Exercise: Stretching and strengthening exercises to restore range of motion and strengthen weakened muscles to support and stabilize degenerative or inflamed joints.

• Neuromuscular Re-education: Used to retrain particular joints or body regions and improve particular movements and mechanics (for example walking, kneeling, squatting and stair climbing).
  
  
• Modalities: such as electrical stimulation, dry needling, ultrasound, heat and ice can help decrease pain and inflammation of involved joints.