Age Ain't Nothing But a Number with PT
9 Physical Therapist Tips to Help You #AgeWell
We can't stop time. Or can we? With the proper amount and consistency of physical activity can help ward off many age-related health problems. Physical therapists, who are experts in movement, can prescribe exercises that can help you gain and maintain movement, work to ease pain, and preserve your independence—often helping you avoid the need for surgery or long-term use of prescription drugs.
1. You’re not the boss of me, pain!
Every year millions of Americans suffer with chronic pain. Whether arthritis or another condition, pain costs Americans billions of dollars in medical treatment, lost work & wages. A physical therapist can lead you by teaching you proper exercise, mobility, and pain management techniques to help ease pain, improving your overall quality of life.
2. Age ain’t nothing but a number!
No matter your age you CAN get stronger! A physical therapist will give you an appropriate exercise program which can include progressive resistance training, which has been shown to prevent frailty. Improvements in strength & physical function are possible in your 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond!
3. Get off the Drugs!
What if you could treat your back pain without drugs and/or surgery? Many physicians over treat back pain jumping to surgery and/or drugs even though scientific evidence shows the physical therapy can be a powerful alternative, with much less risk.
4. You can lower your risk of diabetes with exercise.
One in four Americans over the age of 60 has diabetes. Obesity and physical inactivity can put you at risk for this disease. But a regular, appropriate physical activity routine is one of the best ways to prevent—and manage— type 2 diabetes.
5. Exercise can help you avoid falls—and keep your independence
One of the biggest concerns as we age is falling. Most adults over the age of 65 have issues with movement, walking, bending over and standing. Exercise programs led by a physical therapist can help improve balance, movement, and reduce falls and hip fractures. Motion is the lotion for your body!
6. Your bones want you to exercise.
Weak bones (osteoporosis) affect over half of Americans over the age of 50. Movements that keep you on your feet and exercises that use resistance can help improve bone strength and reduce bone loss. Try dancing, walking, jogging, and weightlifting to keep your bones strong
7. Avoid the #1 Cause of Death in America
What is the number one cause of death in America? Heart disease! What is the number one way to prevent heart disease? Exercise! Even if you already have a diagnosis of heart disease, exercise can help improve your condition.
8. Your brain is a muscle, keep it moving!
People who are physically active—even later in life—are less likely to develop memory problems or Alzheimer's disease, a condition which affects more than 40% of people over the age of 85.
9. Stop leaking!
Physical therapy can help men and women who suffer from bladder leakage. With appropriate strengthening exercises bladder leakage can be a thing of the past.
