What Is Physical Therapy? Here’s What Caregivers Need to Know

At each session, the therapist will first review your symptoms, progress and any changes in your condition since your last visit. Then they will walk you through exercises that can include strength training, balance and coordination exercises and stretching to increase flexibility and expand range of motion.

Depending on your situation, the therapist may use assistive devices such as balance balls and resistance bands or mobility aids such as canes and walkers. Sometimes, hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization or assisted stretching may be involved. At the end of your session, you may be offered ice or heat therapy to help your body recover from the session. While you may find improvement from just your PT sessions alone, for greater progress, it is important to do at-home exercises that your PT recommends.

“One of the most helpful things physical therapy does is work on the deeper connective tissue, not just muscle, to reduce stiffness and improve mobility,” says Romero Santiago, a staff physician at Carle Health in Urbana, Illinois, and board member at the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians.

Who benefits from physical therapy?

Physical therapy helps a wide range of people, from those recovering after surgery or injury to individuals managing chronic conditions like arthritis, stroke or Parkinson’s disease. It can also serve as a preventative measure, and it’s especially valuable for older adults at risk of falls or those experiencing age-related physical decline, such as decreased muscle strength or coordination.

After a devastating fall in November 2023 that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, Sherod Eadon of Columbia, South Carolina, faced a steep uphill battle. Until then, his Parkinson’s symptoms were stable and predictable, but afterward, he lost strength and mobility and experienced more body tremors. His doctor recommended home-based physical therapy, which has played a critical role in his recovery.

Linda Eadon, his wife and caregiver, credits the consistency of physical therapy with not only improving Sherod’s mobility but also positively influencing his cognition and mood. “If he misses several days, I see a regression, not just in movement but in how he thinks and feels,” she explains. “It truly affects everything because we want to do everything to avoid any more falls.”

Fall prevention is a big concern for aging adults. “Instead of seeing a PT after a fall, we encourage patients to work with a therapist if they are concerned about balance issues or have other preexisting conditions that may affect their balance or muscle strength,” says Ciolek. “We want to address these concerns to prevent a bigger problem or injury down the road.”

While general PTs can help you achieve your goals, some specialize in specific practice areas such as neurology, oncology, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease or geriatrics. Those who specialize in geriatrics have advanced training and a deeper understanding of how age-related changes in strength, coordination, flexibility and mobility affect a senior’s daily life. To help slow age-related physical decline, they focus on improving strength, mobility, balance and endurance. They understand the complexities of managing multiple health conditions that may come with aging and know how to create treatment plans that are safe and effective for seniors.

Physical therapy and dementia

People with dementia don’t experience just cognitive challenges but often also physical challenges, such as poor balance, muscle weakness and reduced coordination, which increase the risk of falls and injuries. PTs work with individuals living with dementia by focusing on improving or maintaining their mobility, balance and strength, while also adapting to their cognitive limitations. Because dementia affects memory, judgment and the ability to follow instructions, PTs use simplified, consistent and familiar routines to help patients stay engaged. Sessions often involve gentle exercises to promote walking, balance, flexibility and coordination, which can prevent falls and improve confidence in daily activities.

PTs help people with dementia in many ways throughout all stages of the disease. “They work with patients on their mobility and promoting the safest environment, as well as helping them continue to do the things they love for as long as possible,” says Ciolek. “Also, being active will help someone with dementia sleep better, and that can often lead to fewer issues with negative behavioral expressions.”

How PTs can help support caregivers

Meeting with PTs can greatly benefit caregivers. Ciolek notes that it’s essential that the caregiver prioritize their own health so they can continue to be a resource for their loved one.

PTs can teach caregivers proper body mechanics for tasks like lifting, transferring and repositioning the person they care for, which helps prevent injuries such as back and shoulder strain. They can also provide them with strategies and techniques to manage the physical demands of caregiving. Tailored exercise programs from PTs can boost the strength, balance and mobility of those receiving care, which can potentially reduce the physical demands on the caregiver. By promoting safe movement, preventing complications like falls and encouraging independence, PTs not only improve outcomes for the person receiving care but also reduce the emotional and physical burden on the caregiver.

How to start physical therapy

Depending on your health insurance coverage, you may need a referral from your primary care physician before beginning physical therapy. For individuals covered under Medicare Part B, outpatient physical therapy services are typically covered as long as a doctor certifies that the therapy is medically necessary. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, coverage and referral requirements can vary depending on the specific plan. It’s important to review your plan’s benefits or contact your insurance provider directly to understand what is required and what services are covered.

When looking for a PT, start by asking your doctor for recommendations. You may also find valuable referrals from friends, family members or caregivers who have had positive experiences with physical therapy. However, before scheduling any appointments, verify that the provider is in-network with your insurance plan to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.