McCarthy’s Interactive Physical Therapy 927 Vicente St. · San Francisco, CA 94116 · 415.665.4953 Quality Care for Quality Living SM

A Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy is a physical therapist who is certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. To achieve board certification in the specialty of geriatrics, a physical therapist must demonstrate specialized knowledge and advanced clinical proficiency by submitting evidence of required clinical practice in this specialty area (including 2,000 hours of direct geriatric patient care), and by successfully completing a rigorous written examination. As of 2007, there are fewer than 1000 Board Certified Geriatric Physical Therapy Specialists in the entire United States.

A Geriatric Physical Therapist evaluates and treats movement dysfunctions, caused by acute and/or chronic conditions, that affect the geriatric community. A movement dysfunction can be caused by an injury, an operation, or a disease. Movement dysfunctions can also result from a person's need to compensate for having muscle weakness, tissue restriction, impaired sensation or coordination, pain, or a fear of falling. With physical therapy, many movement dysfunctions can be cured or at least minimized. Without appropriate physical therapy intervention, they often worsen and lead to physical disability and pain. Medically-Oriented Wellness/Maintenance Programs can help people with chronic and/or disabling conditions.

Because an estimated 30%-40% of community-dwelling elders fall annually, because fall-related injuries contribute to nearly 40% of the hospital admissions of elders, because falls are the sixth leading cause of death of elders, a Fall Risk Assessment performed by an expert is strongly recommended when a senior has fallen and/or is concerned about falling. A Geriatric Physical Therapist is the expert who can identify and treat movement dysfunctions that affect a person's balance skills.