Age Related Health
As we age, maintaining strength, mobility, and overall health becomes essential. Physical therapy provides the tools you need to stay active, independent, and living life to the fullest

At Optimal Therapy in Las Vegas, Henderson, Pahrump, and Boulder City, our comprehensive physical and occupational therapy services are designed to help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and stay active and independent..
From arthritis and osteoporosis management to balance and fall prevention, back, neck, and knee pain rehabilitation, pediatric therapy, and post-surgical recovery, our expert therapists provide personalized care tailored to your unique needs. We also specialize in pelvic health therapy, custom hand splints, and independent gym programs to help you maintain long-term strength and mobility. No matter your age or condition, Optimal Therapy is committed to helping you move better, reduce pain, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain and stiffness, affecting millions of Americans every year. It can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even opening a jar feel difficult. At Optimal Therapy in Las Vegas, Henderson, Pahrump, and Boulder City, our physical therapists use proven, non-invasive techniques to help patients manage arthritis symptoms, restore function, and maintain independence.
Common types of arthritis we treat include:
Osteoarthritis (OA): age-related “wear and tear” arthritis that causes joint cartilage breakdown, often in the hips, knees, hands, and spine
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): an autoimmune disease that causes painful inflammation in multiple joints
Psoriatic arthritis: inflammation associated with psoriasis that affects both skin and joints
Degenerative disc disease (DDD): arthritis of the spinal column causing back or neck pain
Typical symptoms may include:
Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
Swelling and tenderness in affected joints
Decreased range of motion
Weakness in surrounding muscles
Pain during activity or at rest
How physical therapy helps with arthritis:
Our therapy programs are designed to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and strengthen surrounding muscles for better stability and long-term relief. A personalized arthritis treatment plan may include:
Flexibility and stretching exercises to reduce stiffness
Strength training to stabilize joints and protect cartilage
Low-impact aerobic exercise to improve endurance and cardiovascular health
Balance and fall-prevention training for older adults with arthritis
Education on posture, joint protection, and home modifications
With consistent therapy, many patients experience less pain, greater independence, and improved quality of life without relying solely on medications or surgery.
Osteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions that cause bones to become weak and fragile, increasing the risk of fractures. Often called the “silent disease,” osteoporosis may not cause symptoms until a fracture occurs—commonly in the hip, spine, or wrist.
At Optimal Therapy, our physical therapists are specially trained in bone health and fall prevention. We provide personalized exercise and education programs to help patients strengthen bones, reduce fracture risk, and maintain independence.
Common risk factors include:
Non-controllable factors: female gender, advanced age, family history, small body frame, hormonal changes
Controllable factors: smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine, low calcium/vitamin D intake, sedentary lifestyle, long-term use of steroids or certain medications
How physical therapy helps manage osteoporosis:
Research shows that the right kind of exercise can slow bone loss and even build bone density. Our therapists create safe, customized programs that focus on:
Weight-bearing exercise (walking, stair climbing) to stimulate bone growth
Resistance and strength training to improve muscle support around fragile bones
Posture and spinal extension training to prevent compression fractures
Balance and fall-prevention exercises to reduce fracture risk
Education on lifestyle modifications, home safety, and nutrition to support bone health
Benefits of therapy for osteoporosis patients:
Improved mobility and independence
Increased strength and confidence in daily activities
Reduced risk of falls and fractures
Better overall health and quality of life
Whether you’ve already been diagnosed with osteoporosis or want to prevent bone loss before it starts, our expert team at Optimal Therapy can guide you every step of the way.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in older adults. In fact, 1 in 3 adults over age 65 will experience a fall each year, and many of those falls result in fractures, head injuries, or long-term mobility problems. Even for younger adults and athletes, poor balance or coordination can limit performance and increase the risk of injury.
At Optimal Therapy in Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, and Pahrump, we provide specialized balance and fall prevention programs designed to help patients of all ages improve stability, reduce fall risk, and regain confidence in daily life.
Common causes of balance problems include:
Muscle weakness or deconditioning
Vestibular disorders (inner ear problems such as vertigo)
Neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis)
Side effects from medications
Vision problems
Poor posture or gait abnormalities
Home hazards (loose rugs, poor lighting, cluttered walkways)
Typical symptoms may include:
Frequent unsteadiness or dizziness
Difficulty walking without support
Fear of falling that limits activity
Unexplained trips, slips, or falls
Poor coordination or slow reflexes
How physical therapy helps with balance and fall prevention:
Our expert team of physical therapists starts with a comprehensive evaluation to identify your individual risk factors. From there, we design a customized treatment plan that may include:
Strengthening exercises for legs, hips, and core muscles
Balance training and coordination drills to improve stability
Gait training to correct walking patterns and improve posture
Vestibular rehabilitation for patients with dizziness or inner ear disorders
Endurance training to build stamina for daily activities
Home safety education to reduce fall hazards (such as installing grab bars, removing rugs, or improving lighting)
Assistive device training (canes, walkers) if needed
Benefits of our Balance and Fall Prevention program:
Reduced risk of falls and fall-related injuries
Improved confidence and independence in daily activities
Greater muscle strength and endurance
Enhanced coordination, mobility, and overall quality of life
Whether you are an older adult worried about fall risk, an athlete wanting to sharpen coordination, or someone recovering from injury or illness, Optimal Therapy’s balance and fall prevention programs are designed to keep you moving safely and confidently.
Dizziness and vertigo can interfere with even the simplest daily activities, from walking across a room to driving a car. In fact, up to 35% of adults over 40 will experience some form of vestibular dysfunction, and nearly 80% of adults over 65 report dizziness or imbalance.
Common causes of vertigo and dizziness include:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – triggered by changes in head position due to displaced crystals in the inner ear
Inner ear infections such as labyrinthitis
Vestibular neuritis (nerve inflammation)
Ménière’s disease – often associated with hearing loss or ringing in the ears
Migraines and vestibular migraines
Head injuries or post-concussion syndrome
Medication side effects that affect balance
Typical symptoms may include:
Spinning or swaying sensations (vertigo)
Lightheadedness or faintness
Nausea or vomiting
Unsteadiness and difficulty walking
Blurred or unstable vision (oscillopsia)
Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
Anxiety or fear of falling
At Optimal Therapy, our vestibular rehabilitation specialists conduct a thorough assessment to identify the cause of your symptoms. Based on your evaluation, we develop a personalized vestibular therapy program to retrain your brain and body to process balance signals correctly.
Vestibular therapy may include:
Canalith repositioning maneuvers (Epley, Modified Epley, Semont) to treat BPPV
Gaze stabilization training to improve visual focus during movement
Balance retraining exercises to restore coordination and reduce fall risk
Posture and gait training to improve safe mobility
Vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) training to strengthen the connection between your eyes and inner ear
With consistent therapy, many patients experience dramatic improvement in symptoms—often within just a few sessions. Our goal is to help you reduce dizziness, regain stability, and return to daily activities with confidence.
If you want to skip the wait, you can reach our scheduling team Monday through Friday from 9am – 5pm.