Melinda N. Pierce, MS, CEEAA, PT

Geriatric Physical Therapist

Mrs. Melinda N. Pierce is a Geriatric Physical Therapist in Niles, IL with special training and skill in targeting conditions that affect aging adults' physical health, activity, and independence. As a Geriatric Physical Therapist, Melinda N. Pierce, MS, CEEAA, PT performs physical therapy to lessen pain and to restore, improve, or maintain strength, fitness, endurance, sensation, balance, flexibility, and mobility in older adults. Geriatric Physical Therapy is physical therapy for the physical health, fitness, and function of the elderly. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Geriatric Physical Therapists include incontinence, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsonu2019s disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and cancer. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Geriatric Physical Therapists include patient evaluation, exercise protocol development, patient education and assistive device training, home adaptation advising, and program observation.

A licensed physical therapist, including but not limited to an individual who is a Board Certified Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy, who has demonstrated specialized knowledge and skill in the comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment and evidence-based management of movement in aging adults. This includes, but is not limited to, specialized knowledge in and consideration of normal age-related changes and pathological manifestations across all systems; cognition and mental health; polypharmacy; fall risk mitigation; bone health; healthy and active aging, and socioeconomic and health policy issues affecting aging adults. The geriatric physical therapist is an integral part of the interdisciplinary geriatric team and serves as an advocate for the highest level of well-being for the older adult.

Orthopedic Physical Therapist

Mrs. Melinda N. Pierce is an Orthopedic Physical Therapist in Niles, IL with special training and skill in treating and rehabilitating injuries of the orthopedic system, which includes muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. As an Orthopedic Physical Therapist, Melinda N. Pierce, MS, CEEAA, PT performs skilled rehabilitation to provide pain relief, improve strength and mobility, as well as increase range of motion. Orthopedic Physical Therapy is the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of orthopedic injuries in the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Orthopedic Physical Therapists include sprains, strains, tendonitis, arthritis, ligament tears, muscle tears, joint/muscle/tendon inflammations, post-fracture injury, joint stiffness, joint pain, rotator cuff tears, and ACL tears. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Orthopedic Physical Therapists include pain modulation techniques, manual therapy, joint mobilization, manual muscle stretching, and soft tissue mobilization.

A licensed physical therapist, including but not limited to an individual who is a Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, who has demonstrated specialized knowledge and skill in human anatomy and physiology, movement science; pathology/pathophysiology, pain science, medical and surgical considerations, orthopaedic physical therapy theory and practice, and critical inquiry for evidence-based practice.