What Can a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist Do to Help?
Physical therapy Doctors will often refer patients to a physical therapist such as myself, to work with on building or maintaining strength and fitness, and to help select appropriate activities and exercises. I most often work with people on an outpatient basis, but there are inpatient services available as well. Ask your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist for an evaluation. With a doctor’s guidance, a therapist can initiate supervised physical activity, and can train the patient or his or her family members to do these exercises independently at home. In an initial assessment of an older patient, I evaluate their walking ability, assess the ease with which they can get in and out of bed, and do a general evaluation of their strength and balance. With this information, I can determine what kind of ambulatory aid they will need and what type of exercises will improve their function. I can also order all necessary aids and equipment. A home visit from a physical therapist can b
