The study of physical and psychological changes which are incident to old age is called gerontology. Geriatrics is the branch of internal medicine that focuses on health care of the elderly. It aims mainly to promote health and to diagnose, prevent and treat diseases and disabilities in older adults. Geriatric physical therapy is an area of specialization that requires a specific set of advanced skills and knowledge that addresses the aging process. The primary goal of geriatric physical therapy is to prevent, maintain or rehabilitate an impairment or functional limitation, which is accomplished with the application of evidence-based scientific principles.
Caring for older patients takes time. The presence of concurrent chronic conditions, the use of multiple medications and atypical presentations of illness in this population make clinical decision making more complex and time-consuming. Physical therapy can restore or increase strength, range of motion, flexibility, coordination, and endurance, as well as reduce pain. Another important role is to retrain the patient to do everyday tasks. Geriatric physical therapy enables older adults to enjoy a longer life by living it more independently and with less pain.
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