What is geriatric physical therapy?
Geriatric physical therapy is a type of physical therapy focused on improving the movement struggles and pain that come with aging. It addresses changes in bone density, muscle strength, joint flexibility, balance, and coordination that affect how older adults move and function day to day.
At Get Set Physical Therapy, geriatric physical therapy accounts for the conditions, medications, and recovery timelines specific to older patients. Our therapists build treatment plans that factor in fall risk, chronic disease, bone density, and medication effects so you or your family member can stay active and independent without over-relying on painkillers or unnecessary procedures.
Conditions we treat with geriatric physical therapy
We treat the chronic conditions, injuries, and post-surgical cases that most commonly affect older adults:
Arthritis and joint pain: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and progressive joint stiffness that limits walking, reaching, or completing daily tasks
Fall-related injuries and prevention: balance disorders, vestibular dysfunction, gait instability, and recovery from falls including hip fractures and spinal compression fractures
Post-operative recovery: rehabilitation after total knee and hip replacements, rotator cuff repairs, and spinal procedures. Our orthopedic post-surgery physical therapy program starts with your surgeon's protocol and progresses through range of motion, strengthening, and return to daily activity.
Bone density conditions: osteoporosis and osteopenia management through safe, progressive weight-bearing exercise programs designed to reduce fracture risk
Neurological conditions: movement and balance impairment from stroke, Parkinson's disease, or peripheral neuropathy. Our neurological physical therapy program addresses these conditions in depth.
If your condition is not listed here, call us at 469-314-1369. There is a good chance we treat it.
Your geriatric physical therapy options at Get Set PT
Your treatment plan will pull from several approaches, each adapted for the specific needs of older patients:
Manual therapy: hands-on joint mobilization and soft tissue work adjusted for age-related tissue changes and bone density considerations
Therapeutic exercise: strengthening and flexibility work that starts where your ability is now and gets harder as you improve
Balance and gait training: structured programs to improve steadiness, walking confidence, and stair navigation
Fall prevention programs: a balance and strength screen to find what is actually putting you at risk, as well as the changes worth making at home
Dry needling: trigger point release for chronic muscle tension and pain that has not responded to other approaches
Medical massage therapy: soft tissue work coordinated with your PT plan. We use it for chronic tension and post surgical swelling, or when a muscle will not release with hands-on therapy alone
Home exercise programs: video-guided exercises assigned after each visit so you can continue strengthening and mobility work between sessions
As you hit benchmarks, your therapist changes the exercises, the intensity, or how often you come in.
Call 469-314-1369 to schedule your evaluation.
Why patients choose Get Set Physical Therapy
Get Set Physical Therapy is not a high-volume clinic. Here is what that means in practice.
1-on-1 care every visit: you work directly with your physical therapist for the full session. We do not hand you off to aides or technicians. For older patients, this consistency matters. Your therapist knows your medical history, your medications, and how your body responded last session.
A clear treatment philosophy: we focus on helping you recover through movement, hands-on therapy, and education. Our approach avoids opioids, injections, and surgery whenever possible.
An experienced team: Dr. Howie Barrett founded Get Set PT to provide care that stays with one therapist throughout your treatment. Our physical therapy team works across musculoskeletal, neurological, geriatric, and pediatric therapy.
Readers' Choice award winner: Get Set PT earned the 2026 Rockwall Living Magazine Readers' Choice award for Physical Therapist.
"The Best! The most caring group of professionals you will ever meet. Dr. Howie listens. He not only develops an effective therapy plan, he considers the patient's personal goals and structures a program targeted at best outcomes. If you need physical therapy, this is the place to go."
Schedule geriatric physical therapy in Rockwall
Get Set Physical Therapy & Wellness is located at 1205 N Goliad Street, Rockwall, TX 75087. We are open Monday through Friday, with early morning appointments starting at 7:30 AM.
Your first visit lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. It includes a full evaluation, medical history review, outcome measures, and a home exercise plan. Most patients attend 2 to 3 sessions per week, though frequency depends on your diagnosis and how quickly you progress.
Call 469-314-1369 or reach us at physicaltherapy@getsetpt.com to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book geriatric physical therapy at Get Set PT?
Call 469-314-1369 or visit our contact page to request an appointment. No referral is required in most cases, though your insurance plan may have specific requirements. We verify your benefits and let you know your expected cost before your first visit.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Texas?
Texas has direct access, which means you can see a physical therapist without a doctor's referral for up to 30 consecutive calendar days. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage, so we check your specific plan before your first visit. If you do need a referral, your primary care doctor or orthopedist can provide one.
Is geriatric physical therapy different from regular physical therapy?
Yes. Geriatric physical therapy accounts for age-related factors that general PT does not prioritize: bone density, fall risk, medication interactions, chronic disease management, and slower tissue healing. Treatment intensity, exercise selection, and progression timelines are all adjusted for older patients. The goals also shift from recovering a single injury toward maintaining independence and preventing decline.
How soon will I see results from geriatric physical therapy?
Many older patients notice improved balance, reduced pain, or easier movement within the first 2 to 4 visits. Chronic conditions and long-standing mobility issues take longer to improve. Your therapist sets specific benchmarks during the evaluation so you and your family can track progress week to week.
How much does geriatric physical therapy cost?
Cost depends on your insurance plan and the type of treatment you need. We contact your insurance before your first visit and provide a breakdown of your expected per-visit cost. We accept most major insurance plans. Call 469-314-1369 to check your coverage.
Our Location
OUR ADDRESS
Get Set Physical Therapy & Wellness
1205 N Goliad Street
Rockwall, TX 75087
Email: physicaltherapy@getsetpt.com
Tel: 469-314-1369
Fax: 214-276-1844
OUR HOURS
Monday and Thursday
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday and Wednesday
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 1:30 PM
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:
All information on this website is intended for instruction and informational purposes only. The authors are not responsible for any harm or injury that may result. Significant injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek suitable professional advice about your injury. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied on this website.