PT Apps for Seniors
Maintain strength. Heal at home.
Hinge Health
FREE if covered by employer/insuranceVirtual PT for chronic pain. Senior-popular. Many insurances cover.
Best free if eligible.
Sword Health
FREE through insuranceSame idea. AI motion-tracking.
Best with insurance.
Curable
$70/yrPain-science based. Best for chronic + back pain.
Best for chronic pain.
PT Genie
FREEFree PT exercise videos. Senior-specific.
Best free YouTube PT.
YouTube — Bob and Brad
FREE"The 2 Most Famous Physical Therapists on the Internet". Free senior PT.
Best YouTube channel.
Real PT clinic
$0-30 copay (Medicare)Nothing replaces in-person PT. Apps supplement, don't replace.
Best overall.
When you need real PT
- After surgery — knee, hip, back.
- After fall or fracture.
- Stroke recovery.
- Chronic pain not improving.
- Major balance issues / fall risk.
- New injury within last 8 weeks.
- Doctor referral required for Medicare.
Medicare PT coverage
- Medicare Part B covers PT — 80% after deductible.
- Need doctor referral.
- "Maintenance therapy" covered too (was previously denied — appeal won 2013).
- Home PT covered if homebound.
- 20% copay typically. Medigap covers rest.
- NO arbitrary visit limit anymore (2024 rule).
Best YouTube channels
- Bob and Brad PT — "Most Famous PTs on Internet". Senior-friendly.
- Eldergym — Doug Schrift PT. Senior-specific.
- SilverSneakers — free with Medicare Advantage. PT-style classes.
- More Life Health Seniors — Mike Hines.
- El Paso Manual Physical Therapy — specific issues like sciatica, plantar fasciitis.
Daily 15 minutes
Daily 15-min PT exercise = better than weekly 1-hr session. Apps + YouTube fill gaps between in-person visits. Print exercises from in-person session — taping to wall reminds you.