How Physical Therapy Can Help Common Health Risks As We Age
As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to certain health risks, causing us to slow down and risk additional problems. We begin to notice the wear and tear that has developed throughout the years is limiting more and more of our everyday activities.
Age brings a higher risk of chronic diseases such as dementia, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. In adults 60 and older, these chronic conditions lead to serious illness and disability.
Three Common Age-Related Conditions
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage and bone tissue in the joints degenerate, leading to pain and inflammation.
It’s most common over age 65.
- 1 in 2 adults will develop knee osteoarthritis in their lifetime.
- 1 in 4 will develop hip osteoarthritis by age 85.
- 1 in 12 over the age of 60 will have hand osteoarthritis.
- Research shows that physical therapy effectively reduces pain in individuals with osteoarthritis.
Osteopenia/Osteoporosis: Osteopenia and osteoporosis are both terms for the decreased bone density that occurs with age.
- Decreased bone density affects 55% of people over the age of 50.
- 80% of those are women.
- Low bone density can lead to fragile bones, loss of height, stooped posture, and pain.
- Physical therapy can help to increase bone density, improve posture, and reduce the risk of falls.
Sarcopenia: Sarcopenia refers to age-related muscle loss.
Sarcopenia actually begins in your 30s or 40s.
- People can experience as much as a 50% decrease in muscle mass by age 80.
- Sarcopenia can worsen pain related to both arthritis and decreased bone density, as the reduced muscle mass can result in less support and more load on arthritic joints, worsening of postural problems, and increased fall risk.
- Strength training is safe for older adults and can help you get stronger.
Learn About All-Natural Symptom Relief At Our FREE Workshops!
- Back Pain & Sciatica: Do you have pain when you stand, walk, or sit? Do you experience pain shooting down your buttocks or leg?
- Shoulder Pain & Rotator Cuff: Do you have pain when reaching overhead or behind you? Is your shoulder pain keeping you awake? See our diagnostic ultrasound in action!
- Knee Pain: Is your knee stiff? Does your knee ache or “give out” on you?
- Balance & Dizziness: Have you fallen because you’re unsteady? Do you experience dizziness or spinning?
Learn the common causes of your symptoms and how to fix them naturally without medication, injections or surgery. Call to register now as seating is limited.
The Kinetix Team at Play
Our team looks forward to going to Tony and Melissa’s lakehouse each year. Recently, we enjoyed kayaking, boating, tubing, games, food and hanging out with each other. This is one of the many ways that we cultivate our unique Kinetix culture to Be a Champion, Love Your Tribe and Raise the Bar.
How Our Physical Therapists Can Help
Fortunately, the team at Kinetix Physical Therapy can help combat these age-related changes in several ways, including the following:
Manual Therapy
- These hands-on techniques include careful mobilization and manipulation of the soft tissue and offer several benefits, including the following:
- Loosen tight muscles
- Improve range of motion for functional activities
- Improve posture
Joint Mobilization
- This technique involves guiding your joint through its current range of motion, helping to improve mobility. It’s especially important when managing arthritis. Remember, when it comes to arthritis, “Motion is the lotion!”
Modalities
- Treatments such as class IV laser therapy and the Neubie (Neuro-Bio-Electric Stimulator) help alleviate pain and inflammation.
Stretching and Mobility Exercises
- These targeted exercises help increase and maintain the improved mobility gained through manual therapy.
Strengthening Exercises
- Strength training exercises help maintain or build muscle mass, which provides several key benefits:
- Improves the stability of joints
- Reduces pain from arthritis
- Improves posture
- Can increase or maintain bone density (when weight-bearing)
We Are Here To Help At Any Age!
If you or someone you know is having age related issues and wants to take great care of their health, visiting Kinetix Physical Therapy can help you learn how to take care of your body to enjoy life to the fullest, doing the things you love most! Remember, age is just a number; with the right help, everyone can enjoy a wonderful life!
One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 shallot, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk, or more as needed
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, julienne-style, drained
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
Directions:
- In a large skillet, add the butter, shallot, and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the tomato paste, oregano, and paprika. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, or until the tomato paste starts to darken.
- Add the chicken broth, milk, pasta, cherry tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes; season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 18-20 minutes, until the pasta is tender yet firm to the bite.
- Remove from heat and stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is incorporated.
- If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed until the desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Free Workshops for your Workplace!
Invite us to come to your workplace and show you how to heal joint pain naturally, without medication, injections, or surgery.
Let’s get this event on your calendar today!
“I work at a local business and Kinetix PT provided our employees with a FREE workshop focusing on neck, shoulder, and back pain. Amazing!! Dr. Scott Eddins provided a very informative & interactive presentation for our staff. HIGHLY recommend Kinetix if you want your employees to benefit from one of their awesome workshops.” — Mandy
Patient Success
Kinetix is the best physical therapy provider in Gainesville! In addition to exercises, they provide manual therapy and laser therapy, which really increase the effectiveness of the services, and which I have never had at any other PT provider. They also have several diagnostic tools, including ultrasound and nerve conduction studies, which help clarify the problem so they can target the treatment precisely.” — April
We are hiring!
Ready to make a significant impact in your community while working in a state-of-the-art clinic that integrates the latest advancements in physical therapy? Look no further than Kinetix Physical Therapy and Diagnostics! As we continue to expand, we’re seeking Florida licensed physical therapists (and new DPT grads) to join our dynamic and forward-thinking team. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something extraordinary.
