Advanced Therapeutic Support for Strength, Mobility, and Pain Relief

Geriatric physical therapy is a core component of the rehabilitative services across Acts’ 28 campuses. Designed specifically for the aging population, our older adult geriatric physical therapy programs are delivered by licensed professionals with expertise in age-related musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary conditions. Therapy sessions are structured, evidence-based, and outcome-driven to maximize independence and functional mobility. Choose a location now to find geriatric physical therapy near you.

 What is Geriatric Physical Therapy?

Geriatric physical therapy focuses on restoring physical function, strength, and balance in older adults while preventing injuries and minimizing the progression of degenerative conditions.

Common treatment goals include:

  • Fall prevention: Using balance training, strength conditioning, and gait analysis to reduce fall risk. 

  • Post-surgical rehabilitation: Assisting with recovery from joint replacements, spinal surgeries, and other orthopedic procedures. 

  • Neurological rehabilitation: Supporting recovery from stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or peripheral neuropathies. 

  • Chronic condition management: Treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and chronic pain through movement and manual therapies. 

Each care plan at Acts is individualized following an in-depth functional mobility assessment and medical history review. Interventions may include: 

  • Therapeutic exercises to improve strength, range of motion, and endurance 

  • Gait and balance retraining with or without assistive devices 

  • Manual therapy for joint mobilization and soft tissue release 

  • Pain management modalities, such as electrical stimulation or ultrasound 

  • Home safety evaluations to minimize fall hazards 

Specific Geriatric Physical Therapy Services Explained 

At all Acts campuses, the geriatric physical therapy program offers a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to senior rehabilitation. Every intervention is grounded in clinical research and tailored to each resident’s physical condition, goals, and preferences. Below is a deeper explanation of the core service components:

Therapeutic Exercises

Improving Strength, Flexibility, and Endurance

Therapeutic exercises are at the heart of most physical therapy plans. For older adults, the goal is not just recovery, but restoring or maintaining independence and function. These exercises may include: 

  • Resistance training (with bands, free weights, or machines) to combat sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) 

  • Range of motion (ROM) exercises to improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness, especially after prolonged immobility or surgery 

  • Aerobic conditioning through low-impact movements like recumbent cycling or treadmill walking to improve cardiovascular endurance and stamina 

  • Functional strengthening activities that mimic real-life motions (e.g., sit-to-stand, reaching, stair climbing) to facilitate daily living tasks 

  • Therapists assess baseline strength and joint limitations to customize routines that are safe, progressive, and appropriate for the individual’s condition, whether post-operative, neurologically impaired, or deconditioned from illness.

Gait and Balance Retraining

Reducing Fall Risk and Improving Walking Stability

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalization among older adults. Acts’ physical therapists conduct gait analysis and balance testing to detect abnormalities that could lead to falls. From there, they implement targeted training that may involve: 

  • Treadmill or overground walking drills to retrain stride length, cadence, and symmetry 

  • Balance board and foam pad exercises to enhance proprioception and core control 

  • Vestibular therapy for seniors with inner ear-related dizziness or vertigo 

  • Assistive device training to ensure safe and correct use of walkers, canes, or rollators — including instruction on proper body mechanics and weight distribution 

The goal is to restore a safe and confident gait while fostering independence with or without walking aids.

Manual Therapy

Enhancing Joint Mobility and Reducing Muscular Tension

Manual therapy refers to skilled, hands-on techniques used to manipulate soft tissues and joints. At Acts, therapists are trained in a variety of manual interventions to: 

  • Mobilize stiff joints, especially those affected by arthritis or surgical scarring 

  • Reduce muscle guarding and spasms through myofascial release and trigger point therapy 

  • Improve circulation and tissue extensibility to enhance flexibility and comfort 

These geriatric physical therapy techniques are often used in conjunction with stretching and movement therapy to optimize mobility, minimize pain, and improve functional range. 

Pain Management Modalities

Non-Pharmacologic Relief for Chronic or Acute Discomfort

For seniors living with chronic musculoskeletal conditions or post-operative discomfort, Acts offers evidence-based physical therapy modalities to support pain relief and healing. These include: 

  • Electrical stimulation (TENS or NMES): Blocks pain signals and promote muscle re-education 

  • Ultrasound therapy: Uses sound waves to deliver deep tissue heat, increase circulation, and reduce inflammation 

  • Cryotherapy or thermotherapy: Cold and heat applications for inflammation or stiffness 

  • Laser therapy or diathermy (available in some communities): Stimulates healing in soft tissues 

These tools allow seniors to reduce reliance on pain medications and engage more comfortably in physical activity and daily routines.

Home Safety Evaluations

Creating a Safe, Supportive Living Environment

One of the most valuable services provided by Acts’ therapists is a comprehensive home safety assessment, especially for residents transitioning from skilled nursing or short-term rehab back to independent or assisted living. This process includes: 

  • Fall risk assessment: Reviewing flooring, lighting, furniture layout, and stair safety 

  • Recommendations for grab bars, non-slip mats, and adaptive equipment (e.g., raised toilet seats, tub benches) 

  • Environmental modification suggestions: Adjusting bed height, removing tripping hazards, or widening paths for mobility aids 

  • Caregiver training: Ensuring families and aides understand safe transfer techniques and emergency response 

These evaluations are key to helping residents age in place with confidence, while reducing the risk of hospital readmission due to preventable injury. 

Each of these services plays a critical role in delivering the holistic, proactive, and compassionate care that Acts is known for. Our goal is not only to treat current impairments but also to equip our residents with the tools and confidence to stay well and active — for life.

Find Geriatric Physical Therapy Near You 

Acts communities are equipped with state-of-the-art rehabilitation suites and therapy gyms, staffed by experienced physical therapists who specialize in geriatrics. Services are available to both residents and short-term rehab patients. Our interdisciplinary model ensures seamless communication between physical therapy, nursing, and primary care to optimize patient outcomes.

Acts really is a cut above the rest, especially with its organization-wide focus on loving-kindness. Find the nearest community to you or your loved one in need.

Backed By the Strength of Acts 

As the nation’s largest not-for-profit owner, operator, and developer of continuing care retirement communities, Acts has a 50-year legacy of success. Our mission-driven approach, guided by Christian values, prioritizes the well-being of those we serve. As an industry leader with 27 senior care facilities across nine states, we are financially strong and stable, with the resources to deliver excellence and lead the way in innovation. As you plan for your future, Acts is an organization you can depend on and trust.

Visit Actsretirement.org