Get More Out of Physical Therapy

A sore lower back, an achy shoulder, or stiff knees may crop up with age. But it doesn’t have to stop you from doing the activities you enjoy. It may be tempting to become more sedentary to avoid discomfort. But that often leads to worse pain down the road, says Robyn Culbertson, DPT, a physical therapist specializing in geriatric care in Columbia, S.C., and a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association.

If you’re scheduled for surgery, try to get in at least a couple of PT sessions before, Lume says. What’s known as prehab can help get you as strong as possible before your procedure and give you a leg up on any physical rehabilitation you’ll need afterward, he says.

A 2025 meta-analysis found that prehab programs that included exercise reduced the risk of surgical complications, shortened hospital stays, and improved the quality of life for patients.

Telehealth platforms have made it possible for a therapist to do a virtual video assessment, set up an exercise program, and watch and guide you at home via a smartphone or computer, Culbertson says. A therapist can also assess your home for safety and fall hazards, and train a family member to assist you with PT exercises, if needed.

But some people at significant risk of falls need in-person PT to be properly monitored. And this is usually better for those being treated for serious disorders that affect the ability to move, such as Parkinson’s disease. Also, some techniques your therapist might use to relieve pain or stiffness can only be done only in person, including massage and electrical stimulation.

If your balance is shaky, physical therapy can help keep you from slipping or tripping. That’s critical because about 1 in 4 adults ages 65 and over fall each year. To help prevent this, have your doctor screen you for fall risk. PT for fall prevention might include muscle strengthening or balance training. It could also involve teaching you how to speed up your reaction time, control your bladder (because rushing to a bathroom can lead to falls), or regain your balance to prevent a fall from occurring in the first place.