Geriatric Rehabilitative Care

Here is a startling fact--one in three seniors experience falls each year. Care following these falls is estimated to be over $20 billion annually, and this is just one of the significant risks seniors face.

Kernersville Rehab Specialists offers an opportunity for individualized evaluation, assessment and treatment programs to members of the geriatric population who face these numerous health and wellness challenges. Our trained, licensed therapists first discuss the current physical problem with the patient (and family if desired), review the medical history, and determine the patient's general physical condition. To identify risk potentials, therapists carefully conduct tests specifically designed to measure strength, balance, coordination, visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular capabilities. A thorough systems approach is taken to determine any associated deficits in order to maximize therapeutic intervention. Once the evaluation is completed, the patient and therapist discuss and establish treatment goals, then an individualized treatment plan is developed for the patient.

Common Geriatric conditions benefiting from rehab therapy

Orthopedic Injuries Spinal Disorders Pre- and Post-surgical Care Neurological Conditions/Diseases Vestibular/Balance Problems

Gait Disorders Arthritis Osteoporosis Generalized Weakness

Therapy
Common goals for many seniors include improving strength, flexibility, range of motion, balance, and walking technique. Simultaneously, if musculoskeletal pain is present, therapeutic modalities may be used to help decrease pain and stiffness, while improving local blood flow, oxygen and nutrients to tissues which often results in faster healing.

Beyond the common goals, each patient presents with specific needs which our individualized approach to therapy can readily accommodate. Our therapy programs incorporate state of the art equipment, and our highly skilled therapists utilize the most up to date therapy techniques available.

Some of these include:

Aquatic Therapy Therapeutic Exercise Manual Therapies General Conditioning Resistance Training/Strengthening Programs Neuro-Muscular Re-Education Modalities Postural Assessment And Ergonomic Intervention

Visual-Motor Activities Gait Training Balance Activities Proprioceptive Activities Vestibular Activities Anodyne Therapy When Applicable Assistive Device Training

Balance and Falls Prevention
This area specifically is one of the most frequently encountered in geriatric care. There can be multiple reasons for the increase of balance problems and falls we experience as we age. Most often, several of the factors are present simultaneously. Some of the most common include:

Vision Problems Vestibular (Inner Ear) Dysfunction Low Exercise Levels Muscular Weakness Decreased Endurance Medications Neurological Conditions (Parkinson's, Stroke, Alzheimer's)

Loss of Proprioception (the neurological sense that allows one to know not only where one is in space, but also the position and location of each individual body part and joint) Environmental Challenges (steps, curbs, rugs, unlevel surfaces)

Fortunately, balance is a skill that can often be improved. We utilize appropriate therapy techniques (listed above) with the most advanced methods in balance restoration. The program focuses on motivating patients to take charge of their health and balance issues. It is essential that the patient diligently follow the home exercise/balance program in order to achieve the best results.