Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

The Geriatric Rehabilitation Program at Tufts Medical Center in Boston focuses on helping older adults who want to minimize the impact of musculoskeletal, neurologic and rheumatologic conditions on their strength, mobility, balance and comfort. Our typical patients place a high priority on remaining active and independent and are motivated to follow a customized treatment and rehabilitation plan at home or in their community.

Our program director is led by Rina Bloch, MD, who has helped thousands of older adults enjoy a more fulfilling quality of life since earning her board certification in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 1989. An expert in rheumatological management, spinal cord injury rehabilitation and electrodiagnostic medicine, Dr. Bloch is the co-author of the guide “Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults” published by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

We diagnose and treat patients with a wide range of conditions, including, to name but a few:

• Musculoskeletal problems associated with aging, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease
• Hip and knee fractures
• Rheumatological arthritis
• Contractures (painful muscle spasms) following strokes or spinal cord injuries
• Complications associated with cancer treatment
• Complex gait (walking) disorders caused by peripheral neuropathy and other disorders

Dr. Bloch developed the Geriatric Rehabilitation program with doctors from multiple specialties here at Tufts Medical Center. Her approach to treatment and rehabilitation for older adults emphasizes using resources in the patient’s local area whenever possible, as well as working closely with the patient’s primary care physician and other care providers.