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Frailty is a condition many older adults experience as they age. It’s a condition defined by lower physicality, increased hospitalization, and even death. 

Luckily, non-surgical treatments like physical therapy can help reduce frailty and improve independence. Even better, Medicare members can get coverage for outpatient physical therapy treatments. 

Are you looking for a Medicare-covered solution to your mobility problems? Then you need to keep reading because this article is for you!

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment. It’s designed to help people restore, develop, or improve body movements. It harnesses a variety of treatment techniques, from ice-heat therapy to manual massage.

Medicare members often seek physical therapy after a fall. If that sounds like you, keep reading to learn more about physical therapy and how Medicare can help pay for it. 

The Benefits of Physical Therapy

Research shows that physical therapy is effective, inexpensive, and safe for patients. 

A licensed physical therapist can help aging individuals improve strength, balance, and coordination. Even better, physical therapy is beneficial for reducing pain and increasing flexibility.  

One study looked at the rates of success for surgical and physical therapy. They studied older adults suffering from a condition called Spinal Stenosis. The researchers found that physical therapy treatments were as effective as surgery. 

Physical therapy also helps to cut costs. Studies have looked at the difference in costs for seniors with mobility problems. These studies show that frailty costs older adults between 22% and 46% more in health care costs.

Yet, treatment costs fall 50%when physicians refer patients to a physical therapist. This is especially true when patients see physical therapists before imaging specialists. Patients can save up to 72% in the first year of treatment by seeing a physical therapist.

Physical therapy is also proven to be as safe as it is effective. A 2013 study looked at the safety of physical therapy for vulnerable populations. It found that physical therapy was even safe for patients with critical illnesses.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Physical Therapy

Physical therapists work in inpatient and outpatient settings. Inpatient physical therapy is therapy you get from a PT who works in a hospital. Outpatient physical therapy takes place in a clinic or at a rehab center.

Outpatient physical therapy may also take place at a skilled nursing facility. But that’s only if the patient’s stay isn’t eligible for Medicare coverage. Patients ineligible for home health benefits can receive coverage for at-home physical therapy.

Medicare coverage depends on whether you see an inpatient or outpatient physical therapist. 

Who Needs Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is for people of all ages and in different stages of life. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for physical therapy. Other conditions that may need physical therapy treatments include:

• Stroke
• Injury
• Arthritis
• Burns
• Post-operative rehabilitation

For example, a child might receive physical therapy for a developmental disorder. A young person might receive physical therapy after a sports injury. 

Medicare members may receive physical therapy for many reasons. Common ones include reducing fall risks, maintaining mobility, and improving coordination. 

Does Medicare Cover Physical Therapy?

Medicare does cover physical therapy for members.

Original Medicare Part A covers inpatient rehabilitation care, including physical therapy. Outpatient physical therapy patients can get coverage under Original Medicare Part B. 

Seniors can also receive physical therapy coverage under Medicare Advantage plans. These are private Medicare plans.

Adults aged 65+ can sign up for Medicare Advantage with private insurance companies. By law, these private plans must offer the same coverage Original Medicare offers. 

Medicare Part B Outpatient Physical Therapy Coverage

Original Medicare Part B covers medically necessary physical therapy. Medicare patients must first meet the Part B deductible, which is $198 in 2020. Once patients hit their deductible, Medicare covers 80% of in-network physical therapy costs. 

Extra requirements for physical therapy coverage include:

• A physician or qualified physical therapist establishes the treatment plan
• A physician reviews the treatment plan time to time
• The physical therapy patient is under physician care while undergoing treatment

Before 2018, there was a cap on how long Original Medicare would cover physical therapy. Medicare replaced this cap with a coverage cost threshold. 

In 2020, Original Medicare covers physical therapy up to $2,080. What happens when a patient meets the threshold? Their physician must deem the treatments medically necessary to continue getting Medicare coverage.

What Does It Mean to Be Medically Necessary?

What happens when you hit the cost threshold for Medicare-covered physical therapy? Your doctor has to agree your treatments have some medical necessity. That way, you can continue receiving benefits.

But what exactly does that mean?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services defines “medically necessary” services as::

• Needed to diagnose or treat a medical condition
• Provided to diagnose, care for, or treat a medical condition
• Up to the standards of good medical practice in your state
• Not for the convenience of you or your physician

A doctor will deem the physical therapy necessary for your condition. Then, he or she will give you a Certificate of Medical Necessity. This important document proves that you’re eligible for continuing outpatient physical therapy coverage.

Get Medicare-Covered Outpatient Physical Therapy 

Outpatient physical therapy can help elderly adults. Treatments assist with fall recovery, mobility improvement, and more.

Medicare Part B will cover physical therapy treatments in outpatient settings. Medicare will only cover treatment up to a cost threshold, though. Then, your physician must deem your treatment has some medical necessity.

Are you searching for an outpatient facility to receive Medicare-covered physical therapy? Therahealth & Wellness is the place to be. Contact us today to set up your first appointment!

Living in pain is exhausting, and it affects every aspect of your life. If you deal with pain every day, you aren’t alone. Millions of people are living with chronic pain and searching for ways to ease their discomfort.

For many, physical therapy is a wonderful solution. If you’re looking for a safe and non-invasive way to treat your pain, physical therapy may help.

Let’s take a look at the tremendous benefits of physical therapy.

Treats the Root of Your Pain

Rather than simply masking the pain, physical therapy gets to the root of the problem that’s causing your pain. Many doctors are quick to prescribe pain medication, but some pain relievers are addictive and have long-term side effects. 

Although some people need pain medication, physical therapy can help lessen the need for these types of drugs or eliminate the need altogether. A physical therapist will perform an examination to assess your pain and your range of motion.

A skilled physical therapist can determine the right treatments and exercises to get to the root of the problem. Long-term therapies may help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life.

Personalized Care

You are unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to pain management doesn’t work. One of the benefits of physical therapy is a personal approach to pain control. 

Your physical therapist should consider your age, health conditions, fitness level, and lifestyle before recommending treatments. A good physical therapist will develop a plan to address your pain and evaluate your progress on a regular basis.

May Eliminate the Need for Surgery

Many doctors are quick to prescribe pain medications, injections, or surgery for patients dealing with chronic pain. Before resorting to addictive drugs or drastic measures, health care professionals should consider the benefits of physical therapy.

Of course, surgery is sometimes necessary, but physical therapy can help some patients avoid surgery. For many people, physical therapy helps to reduce their pain, promote healing, and improve general health.

If you’ve had surgery, physical therapy can help you recover faster and get back to enjoying your life once again.

Regain Strength 

After an injury or extended illness, many people lose the strength they once had. Physical therapy can help you regain your strength and former capabilities. 

Although it takes time, many patients find physical therapy helps ease their pain, improve their strength, and restore their fitness. With regular physical therapy, some patients find significant improvement in their overall health and fitness levels.

Restore Range of Motion 

Injuries, surgeries, arthritis, and other problems can limit mobility and range of motion. Whatever the cause, a physical therapist can evaluate your current ability and work with you to improve your range of motion.

Having difficulty lifting your arms, performing daily tasks, or walking properly can be a frustrating situation for anyone. A physical therapist can suggest exercises to help you gain strength and increase flexibility.

These improvements can lead to less pain, greater range of motion, and a better quality of life.

Cope With Aging 

As we age, the body begins to break down, and conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis can create new challenges. Although you can’t reverse all the effects of aging, physical therapy can help improve pain and the lack of mobility associated with these conditions.

For a patient who has had knee, hip, or joint replacement, physical therapy can make a huge difference. Following replacement surgery, physical therapy helps patients recover faster and get back on the path to a normal life.

Physical therapy is also beneficial for people with neurological impairments such as dementia or Parkinson’s Disease. Medicare Part B covers many types of outpatient physical therapy.

Recovery After an Injury

A car wreck, sports injury, or nasty fall can make life difficult and painful. In many cases, individuals can’t work or complete the daily tasks of living.

Physical therapy is beneficial following an injury. With the right techniques and exercises, a physical therapist can help you begin to recover and gradually return to your former activities. 

Jumping back into your life following an injury can be dangerous and even make your condition worse. A physical therapist can help you pace yourself and follow a safe routine to ease your discomfort and heal from your injury.

Manage Your Pain

After an injury, accident, or surgical procedure, many people face long-term pain issues. Sometimes pain medications are necessary, but it’s important to keep them to a minimum.

Many pain medications are addictive and can cause long-term problems. Physical therapy is a safe alternative for many pain sufferers.

For many, physical therapy helps reduce and even eliminate the need for pain medication.

Being active is one of the best remedies for chronic pain. Physical therapy exercises help pain sufferers in a variety of ways. These exercises help to:

• Strengthen muscles
• Stabilize joints
• Increase endurance
• Improve flexibility in muscles and joints

Physical therapy can help ease chronic pain, restore independence, and improve quality of life.

Prevent Injuries

One of the best ways you can protect your health is through preventative measures. Physical therapy can help strengthen your body and help prevent common injuries.

A physical therapist can assess your strength and susceptibility to injury. They can develop a PT plan that targets and strengthens weak areas of the body.

This can help keep you strong and less likely to injure yourself in the future.

Improve Mobility and Balance

After a fall or other serious injury, many people find it difficult to get back on their feet. As you become less mobile, your muscles can weaken, making everything you do more difficult.

Having a physical therapist in your corner can remind your there is hope for a better future. Therapeutic exercises help restore strength, coordination, and mobility.

Being active and strong is crucial for your overall health and wellbeing. A physical therapist can help you get back on your feet and back to your normal life.

The Incredible Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapists have the expertise to personalize a therapy plan to meet your unique needs. If you’re dealing with chronic pain as a result of an illness, accident, or surgery, physical therapy can be a valuable part of your recovery.

There are so many benefits of physical therapy. Contact us today to see how we can help you. 

Did you know that falling is the primary cause of accidental death in adults aged 65 and over? 70% of accidental deaths in people 75+ are due to falls. Meanwhile, over 90% of hip fractures in adults 70 and older occur due to a fall. Falling is also a common reason elderly adults are moved from independent living at home or in a community to a nursing home. Once a person has their first fall, the risk of falling increases. Elderly fall prevention is critical for both of these reasons. 

What’s the best way to reduce the risk of falling in elderly adults? Research shows that strength training (also known as resistance training) is one of the best ways to improve strength and balance and reduce falls. 

Do you want to keep your independence and steer clear of fatal falls? Then you need to understand your risk of falling and how strength training exercises can help. Plus, we’ll give you two types of exercises to help you stay on your feet, so keep reading. 

Are You at Risk of Falling?

Over 33% of elderly people in independent retirement communities fall each year. But that percentage rises to 60% when looking at falls per year in nursing home communities. 

Risks for falling vary by person. Yet, American Family Physician found that four risk factors are most to blame for elderly falls:

• Aging
• Use of medication
• Cognitive impairment
• Sensory deficits (i.e., hearing or vision loss)

When elderly people fall, physicians will want to evaluate the reason for the fall. This is in the hopes of putting elderly fall prevention measures in place. 

Physicians or family members may also order a fall risk evaluation to determine whether the elderly adult can live independently. Not only that: lowering the risk of falling can markedly increase the quality of life of elderly people and their caregivers. 

Why Is Strength Training Important for Preventing Falls?

Strength training has been repeatedly shown to help reduce falls in elderly populations.

In fact, a study showed that resistance training combined with endurance and balance exercises can decrease the rate of falling. Not only that, but these combined exercises can also help elderly adults improve their walking, balance, and general strength. 

Another study showed that resistance and balance training, in particular, helped improve muscle strength in elderly people. The resistance and balance exercises were performed five times per week for 8 total weeks. After these 8 weeks, all participants had a decreased risk of falling. 

Elderly Fall Prevention Exercises for You

Physical therapy can help elderly people improve their strength and balance, which will reduce the risk of falling. And physical therapists have come up with some genuinely beneficial exercises for people just like you.

We’ve compiled some of the best strength and balance exercises for you below. Of course, you should always speak to your doctor about whether these exercises are right for you. 

Sit-to-Stand Exercises

Sit-to-stand exercises will help strengthen your legs and improve your balance. Both of these factors are important for reducing your risk of falling. Here’s how to do sit-to-stand exercises. 

Start by sitting in a sturdy, flat chair with a solid surface like a table in front of you. Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor and scoot your bottom to the edge of the seat.

When you’re ready to begin, slowly rise to a standing position. Use the table for support if you need it but keep in mind that your ultimate goal should be to stand without using your support surface. 

Make sure you lean your chest over your thighs and shift the weight of your body forward. And don’t forget to squeeze your glutes as you move to stand!

Once you feel sturdy on your feet, slowly sit back down. Move your bottom to the edge of the seat again and repeat the exercise 10 times twice per day for best results. Better yet, add hand weights to your workout to increase the level of resistance.

Exercises for Balance

Balance exercises will help you strengthen your core and legs. Performing five repetitions of the following exercises for 10–30 seconds, two times per day will help you improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling. 

Begin your first balance exercise standing in front of a table for support. Stand with your feet separated, approximately shoulder-width apart. Hold your position for 10 seconds or up to 30 seconds if you can.

Once you feel confident with the first exercise, you can move on to the next one. Begin your second balance exercise by standing in front of your support table, this time with your feet together. Hold your position for 10 seconds or up to 30 seconds if you can.

If you’re feeling confident with the second exercise, move onto the third. Begin in front of your support table again. Lift one leg so that you’re balanced on one foot. Hold your position for 10 seconds or up to 30 seconds before switching sides. 

When you’re comfortable performing all three of these exercises, you can add an additional step. Perform each exercise as described above but close your eyes. Hold each position for 10 seconds or up to 30 seconds.

Reduce Your Risk of Falling and Keep Your Independence

Strength training is vital for elderly fall prevention. Doing the two different types of exercises we listed above two times per day could significantly increase your ability to stay on your feet. That way, you can always feel confident while living independently. 

Are you looking for a physical therapist that can help you improve your strength and prevent falls? Contact Therahealth & Wellness to schedule a consultation and learn if you’re a candidate for our physical therapy services.