What is Geriatric Rehabilitation?

Geriatric physical therapy and rehabilitation is a field of treatment aimed at reducing age-related movement restrictions, balance problems, and muscle weakness. Musculoskeletal disorders, neurological diseases, and the risk of falling seen in advanced age are the primary targets of these programs.

Geriatric rehabilitation helps older individuals maintain their independence, enhance their quality of life, and safely continue their daily activities.

What are the goals of geriatric rehabilitation?

The main goal of geriatric rehabilitation is to increase the quality of life, maintain the independence, and maximize the physical capacity of older individuals. The goal in this process is not only to restore movement but also to reduce the risk of falling, alleviate pain, and support psychological well-being.

1. Increase muscle strength and endurance

   Muscle mass decreases with age. Strengthening exercises help increase muscle strength, making it easier for the person to perform daily activities.

2. Improve balance and coordination

   Balance disorders are common in the elderly. Rehabilitation reduces the risk of falling through exercises that increase body awareness and strengthen reflexes.

3. Reduce the risk of falling

   Muscle weakness, loss of balance, and reduced reflexes can lead to falls. The geriatric rehabilitation program aims to minimize these risks.

4. Maintain range of motion in joints

   Joints can become stiff over time. Regular stretching and mobilization exercises preserve joint mobility, making daily activities easier.

5. Reduce pain

   Muscle and joint pain are common complaints in the elderly. Physical therapy applications alleviate these pains, improving the quality of life.

6. Support independence in daily living activities

   The individual’s dependence on others for basic activities such as eating, dressing, and bathing is reduced. This supports both physical and psychological recovery.

7. Increase social participation and self-confidence

   Physical recovery increases social interaction. The person feels more active, strong, and self-confident.

In which conditions is it applied?

Geriatric physical therapy is applied in the following common conditions in older individuals:

• Muscle wasting (sarcopenia)
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis (bone loss)
• Weakness after stroke (paralysis)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-hip and knee replacement rehabilitation
• Balance disorder after a fall
• Chronic pain and posture disorders

What are the applied treatment methods?

Treatment methods in geriatric rehabilitation are planned according to the person’s age, general health status, and mobility. The goal is both to improve physical functions and support independent living.

1. Exercise therapy

Personalized exercises that increase muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance are performed.

• Low-pace walking
• Balance and posture exercises
• Strengthening work with resistance bands

2. Balance and coordination training

The sense of balance that decreases with age is regained.

• Standing, stepping, and direction-changing exercises
• Balance board applications on soft surfaces

3. Gait training

• Safe walking is ensured with canes, walkers, or supportive devices.
• Walking patterns are retaught.

4. Manual therapy and mobilization

Joint range of motion is maintained, and muscle stiffness is reduced.

5. Electrotherapy

TENS or ultrasound applications can be performed for pain relief and muscle relaxation.

6. Breathing exercises

Increase lung capacity, reduce fatigue.

7. Home exercise program

Regular performance of exercises determined by the physiotherapist is ensured at home.

What are the points to consider in geriatric rehabilitation?

• Exercises should be planned according to the person’s health condition.
• Pulse, blood pressure, and respiratory values should be monitored.
• Breaks should be taken in cases of excessive fatigue or pain.
• Environmental safety must be ensured for patients at risk of falling.

What are the benefits of geriatric rehabilitation?

Geriatric rehabilitation increases the quality of life in older individuals by enhancing mobility. Regular physical therapy improves balance, muscle strength, and coordination; the risk of falling decreases. Furthermore, pain control and increased independent living skills support both physical and psychological well-being. It provides the following benefits:

• Easier performance of daily activities
• Increased safety in balance and walking
• Reduced muscle and joint pain
• Decreased risk of falling
• Increased independence and self-confidence
• Significant improvement in quality of life