Geriatric Physical Therapy

GERIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY

We understand the bodily changes that occur as we age. Our therapists possess specialized, advanced knowledge and skills in the practice of balance and fall prevention in community dwelling older adults. We are dedicated to working with you to create a custom-designed program to help restore mobility, increase fitness levels and reduce the risk for falls.

What Is Geriatic Physical Therapy?

Geriatric Physical Therapy is a proven means for older adults from every level of physical ability to improve their balance and strength, build their confidence, and remain active. (reword)

Balance and Fall Prevention

According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 falls each year. Keeping active and maintaining balance helps prevent falls.

The Otago Fall Prevention Program

Otago is a specially developed exercise program that has been proven to help community dwelling older adults improve their balance, increase their strength, and reduce falls by 35%.

Have you fallen once or more in the past year?
Do you feel unsteady or lose your balance while walking?
Do you have a fear of falling inside or outside your home?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, The Otago Program may be right for you!

Otago is generally the most effective for persons who have had a history of falls in the past year and are experiencing a decrease in strength and balance.

Participants should be living in their own home or are transitioning to home, and have the ability to walk independently with or without a cane or walker.

Participants who are less than 80 years old and have fallen, or are too frail to do standing exercises, may require a more individualized physical therapy program.

Over the 12-week course of your Otago program, a licensed physical therapist will work with you to strengthen your muscles and improve your balance through specialized, at-home exercises, and guide you through a walking program.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) is a specialized form of physical therapy, involving an exercise-based program, intended to alleviate vertigo and dizziness, gaze stability, imbalance and functional decline as a result of vestibular disorders.

Does looking up increase your problem?
Because of your problem, do you have difficulty getting into/out of bed?
Do quick movements of your head increase your problem?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, Vestibular Rehabilitation may be right for you!

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the #1 cause of vertigo. It occurs with change in head or body position, lasting only seconds. This condition occurs because of changes in the balance portion of the inner ear. Calcium carbonate crystals, which the ear uses as a gravity sensor, move from the utricle into one or more of the balance canals.

An American Institute of Balance (AIB) Certified Physical Therapist is on staff, and is currently the only certified provider in Gaithersburg, MD. Find us on dizzy.com