Katherine Beissner

Retired Professor, Physical Therapy
Specialty: Geriatric and Orthopedic Physical Therapy

While I have enjoyed working in a variety of areas in physical therapy, my focus is on the maintenance or enhancement of function for adults. My work in this area initially focused on employment-related function through ergonomic design and/or worker rehabilitation programs. More recent research examines how the physical environment, cognitive status, and physical abilities affect the function and quality of life of older adults.  Currently, my primary research interest is in geriatric pain management through the use of cognitive-behavioral pain self-management programs.

My prior physical therapy clinical experience is fairly diverse: acute care, rehabilitation, wellness programing, and home health, but my primary clinical interests are geriatrics and orthopedics.  In addition to my work on the physical therapy faculty, I am a fellow of the Ithaca College Gerontology Institution.