[Physical therapy in geriatrics--possibilities and limits]

Physical therapy takes a great part in the rehabilitation of geriatric patients. Active exercise should stand in the first place. A good cooperation of the patient himself is required, also physical abilities and various interactions of different illnesses must be considered, when the aim of the treatment is determined. Passive physical modalities have a pain-relieving effect. It has to be considered that too many and too intensive applications of heat, hydrotherapy, and diathermy may cause an overstress for elderly patients. As a rule, physical therapy should be employed adequately. When the patient has attained a stable condition, individual therapy should be replaced by exercises in groups.