0
Skip to Content
Healthy Aging Physical Therapy
Healthy Aging Physical Therapy
CONTACT INFORMATION AND NEW PATIENT FORMS
Contact + Forms
Service Area
Insurance and Payment for Services
In the News
New Patient Registration
Mission and Core Values
OUR TEAM
About Dr. Katie Wadland, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Allison Leonard, PT, DPT
About Dr. Jennifer Cairney, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Sharon Taylor, PT, DPT
About Dr. Mary Kate Grace, PT, DPT
About Dr. Tracey Berman, PT, DPT
About Jessica Tries, LPTA
About Dr. Brittany Saia, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Cara Dewey, PT, MSPT
About Dr. Meaghan Williams, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Heidi Casamasima, PT, DPT
About Shannon Hardy, MS, OTR/L
About Meghan Treem, MS, OTR/L
About Erin Krause, OTR/L
HAPT Personal Training Team
HAPT Office Team
PHYSICAL THERAPY
What is Outpatient at Home Physical Therapy?
Conditions Frequently Treated
Balance and Falls
Vestibular Therapy
Amazon Product Links
Home Exercise Videos
Safe Falling for Older Adults Workshop
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Home Safety Assessment
What is Outpatient at Home Occupational Therapy?
Amazon Product Links
Home Exercise Videos
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Parkinson's Disease Therapy
PWR! Moves Therapy
POWER over Parkinson's Group Class
Falling Safely with Parkinson's Disease 9/23/23 Workshop
Safe Falling for Older Adults Workshop
WELLNESS365
COMPLEX CARE + FAMILY SUPPORT
GROUP FITNESS IN-PERSON CLASSES
In-Person Fitness Classes
POWER over Parkinson's Group Class
Fit and Fearless
OSTEOCLUB VIRTUAL CLASSES
BLOG
Blog
Healthy Aging Topics
Subscribe
CAREERS WITH HAPT
Personal Trainers
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
TESTIMONIALS + REVIEWS
CONSULTING SERVICES
Login Account
Login Account
Healthy Aging Physical Therapy
Healthy Aging Physical Therapy
CONTACT INFORMATION AND NEW PATIENT FORMS
Contact + Forms
Service Area
Insurance and Payment for Services
In the News
New Patient Registration
Mission and Core Values
OUR TEAM
About Dr. Katie Wadland, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Allison Leonard, PT, DPT
About Dr. Jennifer Cairney, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Sharon Taylor, PT, DPT
About Dr. Mary Kate Grace, PT, DPT
About Dr. Tracey Berman, PT, DPT
About Jessica Tries, LPTA
About Dr. Brittany Saia, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Cara Dewey, PT, MSPT
About Dr. Meaghan Williams, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Heidi Casamasima, PT, DPT
About Shannon Hardy, MS, OTR/L
About Meghan Treem, MS, OTR/L
About Erin Krause, OTR/L
HAPT Personal Training Team
HAPT Office Team
PHYSICAL THERAPY
What is Outpatient at Home Physical Therapy?
Conditions Frequently Treated
Balance and Falls
Vestibular Therapy
Amazon Product Links
Home Exercise Videos
Safe Falling for Older Adults Workshop
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Home Safety Assessment
What is Outpatient at Home Occupational Therapy?
Amazon Product Links
Home Exercise Videos
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Parkinson's Disease Therapy
PWR! Moves Therapy
POWER over Parkinson's Group Class
Falling Safely with Parkinson's Disease 9/23/23 Workshop
Safe Falling for Older Adults Workshop
WELLNESS365
COMPLEX CARE + FAMILY SUPPORT
GROUP FITNESS IN-PERSON CLASSES
In-Person Fitness Classes
POWER over Parkinson's Group Class
Fit and Fearless
OSTEOCLUB VIRTUAL CLASSES
BLOG
Blog
Healthy Aging Topics
Subscribe
CAREERS WITH HAPT
Personal Trainers
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
TESTIMONIALS + REVIEWS
CONSULTING SERVICES
Folder: CONTACT INFORMATION AND NEW PATIENT FORMS
Back
Contact + Forms
Service Area
Insurance and Payment for Services
In the News
New Patient Registration
Mission and Core Values
Folder: OUR TEAM
Back
About Dr. Katie Wadland, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Allison Leonard, PT, DPT
About Dr. Jennifer Cairney, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Sharon Taylor, PT, DPT
About Dr. Mary Kate Grace, PT, DPT
About Dr. Tracey Berman, PT, DPT
About Jessica Tries, LPTA
About Dr. Brittany Saia, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Cara Dewey, PT, MSPT
About Dr. Meaghan Williams, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
About Dr. Heidi Casamasima, PT, DPT
About Shannon Hardy, MS, OTR/L
About Meghan Treem, MS, OTR/L
About Erin Krause, OTR/L
HAPT Personal Training Team
HAPT Office Team
Folder: PHYSICAL THERAPY
Back
What is Outpatient at Home Physical Therapy?
Conditions Frequently Treated
Balance and Falls
Vestibular Therapy
Amazon Product Links
Home Exercise Videos
Safe Falling for Older Adults Workshop
Folder: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Back
Home Safety Assessment
What is Outpatient at Home Occupational Therapy?
Amazon Product Links
Home Exercise Videos
Folder: PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Back
Parkinson's Disease Therapy
PWR! Moves Therapy
POWER over Parkinson's Group Class
Falling Safely with Parkinson's Disease 9/23/23 Workshop
Safe Falling for Older Adults Workshop
WELLNESS365
COMPLEX CARE + FAMILY SUPPORT
Folder: GROUP FITNESS IN-PERSON CLASSES
Back
In-Person Fitness Classes
POWER over Parkinson's Group Class
Fit and Fearless
OSTEOCLUB VIRTUAL CLASSES
Folder: BLOG
Back
Blog
Healthy Aging Topics
Subscribe
Folder: CAREERS WITH HAPT
Back
Personal Trainers
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
TESTIMONIALS + REVIEWS
CONSULTING SERVICES
Login Account
Physical Therapy
Back to Blog
Featured
Dizzy? Don’t Wait. Why Early Treatment for Dizziness MATTERS.
May 13, 2025
Dizzy? Don’t Wait. Why Early Treatment for Dizziness MATTERS.
May 13, 2025

Feeling dizzy? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to live with it. Learn how at-home vestibular therapy can help treat vertigo, prevent falls, and restore your confidence. Backed by research and delivered by certified experts, Healthy Aging Physical Therapy brings dizziness relief to your doorstep.

Read More →
May 13, 2025
The Healthy Aging Difference: How Our Team Culture Transforms Patient Care
Mar 10, 2025
The Healthy Aging Difference: How Our Team Culture Transforms Patient Care
Mar 10, 2025

"At Healthy Aging Physical Therapy, we don’t just work alongside each other—we work with each other. From co-treating and skill-sharing to supporting one another through challenges, our culture is built on trust, collaboration, and a deep commitment to our patients. Because behind every 1:1 patient session, there’s an entire team working together to make it a success. And that’s what makes all the difference."

Read More →
Mar 10, 2025
PIVOT! The Key to Moving Forward in Health, Wellness, and Life
Mar 3, 2025
PIVOT! The Key to Moving Forward in Health, Wellness, and Life
Mar 3, 2025

Feeling stuck in your health, habits, or life? It’s time to PIVOT! Inspired by the iconic Friends scene, this post explores how small, intentional shifts can create lasting change—whether in fitness, nutrition, mindset, or therapy. Learn how modern physical and occupational therapy has evolved from passive treatments to patient-driven care, backed by science like the OPTIMAL Theory. At Healthy Aging Physical Therapy, we help patients make meaningful changes by setting personalized goals, overcoming barriers, and embracing movement as medicine. You don’t have to climb the whole staircase - just take the next step.

Read More →
Mar 3, 2025
Wheelchairs 101: Understanding Wheelchair Options, Coverage and the Acquisition Process
Jan 28, 2025
Wheelchairs 101: Understanding Wheelchair Options, Coverage and the Acquisition Process
Jan 28, 2025

Discover the options, coverage, and process involved in selecting the right wheelchair. From custom manual and power wheelchairs to scooters, learn how a well-matched chair can improve mobility, independence, and quality of life. Healthy Aging Physical Therapy offers in-home assessments to ensure your wheelchair fits your unique needs and living environment. Contact us today to start your journey to enhanced mobility!

Read More →
Jan 28, 2025
Join the Healthy Aging Physical Therapy Team
Jan 21, 2025
Join the Healthy Aging Physical Therapy Team
Jan 21, 2025

Looking for a rewarding career in healthcare? Healthy Aging Physical Therapy is hiring Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Personal Trainers, and Massage Therapists in the Medford/Melrose/Stoneham area. We offer a sustainable, therapist-first environment with flexible scheduling, streamlined documentation, profit-sharing, and collaborative team culture. Join us to thrive in your career and make a real impact on patients’ lives! Apply now to be part of our innovative and supportive practice."

Read More →
Jan 21, 2025
Reflections on my Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program Journey
Dec 26, 2024
Reflections on my Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program Journey
Dec 26, 2024

"Discover five powerful lessons from Katie Wadland’s experience in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. From financial confidence to leadership growth, learn how this tuition-free, application-based program helped her transform Healthy Aging Physical Therapy into a thriving business. Explore key insights on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and navigating healthcare challenges. Read more and get inspired for your own business journey!"

Read More →
Dec 26, 2024
Breaking the Fall Cycle for Fall Prevention Week
Sep 25, 2024
Breaking the Fall Cycle for Fall Prevention Week
Sep 25, 2024

Falls are a common and serious concern for older adults, often leading to fear, reduced physical activity, and a cycle of increased fall risk. At Healthy Aging Physical Therapy, we break this cycle through personalized fall risk assessments, evidence-based interventions like the Otago Balance Program, and home safety evaluations. Our comprehensive approach helps rebuild strength, improve balance, and restore confidence, allowing older adults to maintain independence and reduce the risk of future falls.

Call us at (617) 398-4508 or visit Healthy Aging PT for more information!

Read More →
Sep 25, 2024
Mastering Your Fitness Routine: Simple Ways to Meet WHO & CDC Exercise Guidelines at Any Age
Sep 16, 2024
Mastering Your Fitness Routine: Simple Ways to Meet WHO & CDC Exercise Guidelines at Any Age
Sep 16, 2024

Finding time for exercise can be challenging, but adapting the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to fit your lifestyle is key. This guide breaks down how to achieve 150 minutes of aerobic activity and 2-3 days of strength training per week, tailored for various fitness levels. Learn how to integrate balance and flexibility exercises into your routine and discover practical tips for staying active, whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your current routine. Check out the Move Your Way Activity Planner for a personalized approach, and explore resources like our Club HAPT for strength training and PWR! Moves for Parkinson’s. Start fitting exercise into your week today and enjoy the many benefits of staying active!

Read More →
Sep 16, 2024
Understanding the Complex World of Medicare and Health Insurance: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Aug 30, 2024
Understanding the Complex World of Medicare and Health Insurance: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Aug 30, 2024

In this blog post, we explore the challenges facing Medicare and health insurance reimbursements, particularly in physical therapy and private practices. We delve into how reimbursement rates have steadily decreased over the past 20 years, highlighting key legislative impacts like the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. We explain the importance of offering cash-based services, such as Fitness and Wellness programs, to maintain financial stability and continue providing high-quality care. Learn more about how these services benefit both the practice and patients by allowing for flexibility and long-term health support. Discover why supporting local healthcare providers and understanding the intricacies of Medicare and insurance are crucial in today’s healthcare landscape.

Read More →
Aug 30, 2024
Exercise Intensity and Older Adults: Finding the Balance
Jul 18, 2024
Exercise Intensity and Older Adults: Finding the Balance
Jul 18, 2024

You’ve done it! You started your exercise routine and you’re sticking with it (well, most of the time.) But are you getting the most out of yourself and the full impact that exercise can achieve? In this post, we’ll discuss exercise intensity, and if it’s safe when considering exercise in older adults.

Read More →
Jul 18, 2024
Essential Summer Exercise Tips for Older Adults: Stay Safe and Healthy in the Heat
Jul 15, 2024
Essential Summer Exercise Tips for Older Adults: Stay Safe and Healthy in the Heat
Jul 15, 2024

Discover effective strategies to reduce back pain and enhance your quality of life. Learn about common causes such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, and find out how aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching can help alleviate discomfort. Get tips on safe exercise practices, diet, and sleep positions to support a healthy back. Enjoy your favorite activities pain-free with these expert-backed solutions.

Read More →
Jul 15, 2024
Enjoy Summer WITHOUT Back Pain: Effective Strategies to Reduce Back Pain in Older Adults
Jun 27, 2024
Enjoy Summer WITHOUT Back Pain: Effective Strategies to Reduce Back Pain in Older Adults
Jun 27, 2024

Discover effective strategies to reduce back pain and enhance your quality of life. Learn about common causes such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, and find out how aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching can help alleviate discomfort. Get tips on safe exercise practices, diet, and sleep positions to support a healthy back. Enjoy your favorite activities pain-free with these expert-backed solutions.

Read More →
Jun 27, 2024
Staying Hydrated: A Vital Guide for Older Adults During the Summer Heat
May 29, 2024
Staying Hydrated: A Vital Guide for Older Adults During the Summer Heat
May 29, 2024

While it may be ‘hot girl summer’ everywhere else you look, here over at Healthy Aging, we’re entering ‘hot patient summer’ season. Last week, as temperatures climbed, I challenged my Parkinson’s class to a drinking contest - except instead of chugging beers, we tried to finish a bottle of water between exercises. While for most people, summer heat brings thoughts of bathing suits, pool parties and barbeques, for me, and most of my home health colleagues, we go to thoughts of dehydration, low blood pressures and passing out. So, as the summer heat approaches, I want to talk to you today about staying hydrated. Hydration over the summer is crucial for everyone, but especially older adults. Dehydration can lead to serious health complications, but with a few simple strategies, it’s easy to stay hydrated and healthy throughout the season.

Read More →
May 29, 2024
5 Things to Know about Exercise and Depression in Older Adults
May 9, 2024
5 Things to Know about Exercise and Depression in Older Adults
May 9, 2024

Discover the powerful link between exercise and mental health in older adults. Learn how staying active can combat depression and improve overall well-being. Explore effective strategies to incorporate exercise into daily routines for a happier, healthier life.

Read More →
May 9, 2024
May Staff Meeting Updates
May 4, 2023
May Staff Meeting Updates
May 4, 2023

May Staff Meeting Update

Read More →
May 4, 2023
How NOT to Fall on the Ice this Winter
Feb 8, 2023
How NOT to Fall on the Ice this Winter
Feb 8, 2023

How to AVOID Falling on the Ice this Winter

Read More →
Feb 8, 2023
How do we RETRAIN the BRAIN?
Feb 2, 2023
How do we RETRAIN the BRAIN?
Feb 2, 2023

Ever wonder how to RETRAIN the BRAIN? Read on learn all about the wonderful world of NEUROPLASTICITY….

Read More →
Feb 2, 2023
How to Reduce Your Chance of Dying from Covid-19
Dec 28, 2022
How to Reduce Your Chance of Dying from Covid-19
Dec 28, 2022

Two recent studies came out that I think every Adult over 50 should know about. Read on for a brief review of these two journal articles + 5 simple strategies to improve your daily physical activity level to REDUCE your chance of death and disability from Covid-19.

Read More →
Dec 28, 2022
Breaking up is hard to do…
Jun 22, 2022
Breaking up is hard to do…
Jun 22, 2022

Believe it or not, I hate discharging patients. It’s always a hard conversation. I become attached. They become attached. Most people feel BETTER after their therapy visits and who would want to stop that? But the truth is, we can’t see you forever (except sometimes, but that’s a story for a different blog post). So, I penned this Dear John letter to put all my feelings into words and let you know what is actually going through our heads when we come to the hard decision that it is time to discharge you from your physical therapy care.

Read More →
Jun 22, 2022
Medicare B - Demystified!
Jun 7, 2022
Medicare B - Demystified!
Jun 7, 2022

As a ‘Medicare B’ therapy practice, we hear all sorts of crazy myths and misconceptions that often keep people from getting the care they need. Read on to hear about the top 5 Medicare Myths and learn how you can make the most of your Medicare B Therapy Benefit.

Read More →
Jun 7, 2022
PWR! Moves for Parkinson’s Disease
Apr 25, 2022
PWR! Moves for Parkinson’s Disease
Apr 25, 2022

Healthy Aging Physical Therapy strives to give people living with Parkinson’s the support they need to better manage their symptoms - at all stages of the disease.

Read More →
Apr 25, 2022
April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month
Apr 9, 2022
April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month
Apr 9, 2022

Healthy Aging Physical Therapy strives to give people living with Parkinson’s the support they need to better manage their symptoms - at all stages of the disease.

Read More →
Apr 9, 2022
Healthy Aging Tip of the Week - FALL PREVENTION !
Feb 17, 2022
Healthy Aging Tip of the Week - FALL PREVENTION !
Feb 17, 2022

Lessons learned from Bob Saget and why it’s SO important to tell your doctor when you fall!

Read More →
Feb 17, 2022
exercise older adult
Jun 24, 2021
How Can Physical Therapy and Regular Exercise Help Older Adults?
Jun 24, 2021

People often think of physical therapists as the go-to people to treat musculoskeletal pain, but physical therapy has much to offer beyond pain management, especially when it comes to the older adult. Read on for 5 Ways Physical Therapy and Exercise can help you live your best life as you age.

Read More →
Jun 24, 2021
Be like a kid.
Mar 14, 2021
Be like a kid.
Mar 14, 2021

Sometimes the best advice comes from the least expected places. This week, I bring you wise words from my seven year old, as she taught me how to ‘relax’ by dancing on our back deck:

“Let me show you how to be a kid. You just do the things your body tells you to do - the fun things!”

Healthy kids don’t have to set aside time to exercise, because exercise is simply part of their everyday life. They move constantly. They fidget, they chase their friends, they play sports and take gymnastics classes and dance.

As adults, sometimes, we too often stop doing all the ‘fun things’ our body tells us to do. We replace the fun things with work, and stress, and sitting and to-do lists. We have to schedule exercise in, just to get it done.

But what if we started looking at exercise like a kid again?

Read More →
Mar 14, 2021
help with walking
Mar 8, 2021
Should I use a Cane or a Walker?
Mar 8, 2021

FAQ: Should I use a Cane or a Walker?

The answer is...it depends! (This is every physical therapist's favorite answer, by the way...)

As a Geriatric Physical Therapist, I spend oodles of time talking about assistive devices. Whether it’s working to wean off of one, or educating my patient on the importance of using one, my day-to-day includes much talk of canes, walkers, wheelchairs and the like. But like most things in PT-world, the who-gets-what assistive device conversation is never black and white, but here are a few things I think about when deciding which assistive device to recommend.

Read More →
Mar 8, 2021
What is Health Literacy - and Why Does it Matter?
Feb 7, 2021
What is Health Literacy - and Why Does it Matter?
Feb 7, 2021

During a library talk last week, I spoke on the topic of Health Literacy. The day I was scheduled to present, I found myself dealing with a real-life example with a patient of why having a good grasp on health literacy is so critical to healthy aging. During our visit, I realized my patient had been taking double the dose of her prescribed medication - not out of any error on her part, but because she had two prescriptions on file for the same medication, one for the generic version, and one for the brand name - and she was unaware they were the same drug. How does this happen? How does it get by so many layers of well-meaning and conscientious health care professionals and hospital settings? Unfortunately, this stuff happens, and happens all too often, because there are a lot of ‘cooks in the kitchen’ and because all of us ‘cooks’ are human and we make mistakes. But this, this is why it is so imperative for you as the consumer, as the patient, to have an adequate level of health literacy - so you can be your own advocate, so you can be on the lookout for these human errors and so you can play an active, instead of passive, role in your own health maintenance.

Read More →
Feb 7, 2021
https://goo.gl/maps/UQEjtWxb3oyQpSZD6
Jan 16, 2021
Have an (Exercise) Snack..
Jan 16, 2021
Read More →
Jan 16, 2021
https://goo.gl/maps/7k2g4bgkD9jyaBRJ9
Jan 16, 2021
Happy 100th Birthday to the American Physical Therapy Association!
Jan 16, 2021
Read More →
Jan 16, 2021
FAQ # 4: How Do I Know if I’m at ‘Fall Risk?’
Jan 4, 2021
FAQ # 4: How Do I Know if I’m at ‘Fall Risk?’
Jan 4, 2021

As you know, I love to counter a question with another question, or in this case, three:

1 ) Have you fallen in the past year?

2) Do you feel unsteady with standing or walking?

3) Do you worry about falling?

If the answer to any of these is yes, research has shown that you are likely at an increased risk for falling. Now while this may seem like a short and sweet, the actual answer is a bit longer and more involved. This is where I come in. When I check to see if a patient of mine is at increased risk of falls, I’m like a detective on a trail. While I may start with these questions, their answers lead me down windy trails where I pick up clues that not only determine IF you are at fall risk, but more importantly, WHY. And it’s the WHY that allows me to help you prevent them. But that’s a story for a different post.

Read More →
Jan 4, 2021

Subscribe to HAE/PT

Sign up with your email address to receive tips, tricks and other information about health, wellness, physical therapy and healthy aging.

We respect your privacy.

Thank you!

 

Healthy Aging Physical Therapy provides at-home physical and occupational therapy and wellness in Wakefield, Lynnfield, Saugus, Middleton, Reading, North Reading, Woburn, Peabody, Melrose, Malden, Winchester, Stoneham, Medford, Arlington and Belmont, Massachusetts.

Disclaimer: The content of this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The exercises demonstrated in our videos and live classes are for informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or concerns. Stop any exercise that causes discomfort and seek medical attention if necessary. The creator is not liable for any injuries or damages resulting from the use of the information provided. Reliance on any information provided by HAE/PT, LLC website is solely at your own risk. Terms of Service.

Healthy Aging Physical Therapy is being used for marketing purposes: The legal name of this practice is HAE/PT, LLC.

3 Jessica Lane, Wakefield, MA 01880 | (617) 398 - 4508 | katie@healthyagingpt.com