All physical therapists are qualified through higher education, clinical experience, and licensure to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a variety of symptoms and conditions. Many choose to focus their practice on a specific area or patient group and obtain advanced knowledge and experience in physical therapy specialty areas. Some attend residency programs, obtain board-certification, or go on to participate in fellowship programs. Learn more about these advanced learning pathways in physical therapy specialty areas.

Geriatric physical therapists focus on improving function and quality of life for older adults. Physical therapists who practice in this area evaluate and treat a broad range of people, including:

• Healthy adults who want to continue to safely pursue sports and leisure activities as they age.
• People who are at risk for injuries from falls.
• Those with medical conditions that limit their movement or ability to take part in everyday activities.
• Critically ill or injured older adults in the hospital.
• Older people recovering from surgery.
• Frail adults who require short-term skilled nursing or long-term care.
• Older adults in hospice care who want to remain as independent as possible.

Geriatric physical therapists often evaluate and treat people with health conditions, such as:

• Age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia and frailty).
• Cancer-related problems.
• Falls risk.
• Fractures (broken bones such as a broken hip or femur, spinal compression fractures, and others).
• Heart and lung disorders (such as heart disease and heart failure).
• Joint replacements (such as knee, hip, or shoulder replacement) .
• Conditions, such as stroke, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, and balance disorders.
• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Osteopenia and osteoporosis.
• Overweight and obesity.
• Diabetes.
• Sports injuries.
• Wounds and amputations.

Looking for a geriatric physical therapist who is experienced in treating older adults and the health conditions most common in advancing age? The American Physical Therapy Association offers Find a PT to help you search for a physical therapist with these and other credentials near you.

Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can see a physical therapist without a physician's referral for evaluation and treatment.*

Find a PT Near You

Learn about board certification in geriatric physical therapy.

*Insurance and corporate policies or state laws may still require a physician's referral or limit treatment scope and duration without a referral. Insurance policies also may restrict you to in-network providers.