How Physical Therapy Can Help Common Health Risks in People Over Age 60
Today, we are going to talk about something very important: how physical therapy can help people over 60 years old.
Meet James, a spirited 65-year-old who loved his morning walks in the park, cherished his weekends playing golf with friends, and was always ready to play with his grandkids. However, as the years rolled on, James started noticing that his legs were not as strong as they used to be, his back ached a little more than usual, and those morning walks felt more like a chore than a pleasure.
Like James, as we navigate through our 60s, many of us feel that our bodies are slowly betraying us. Those beautiful golden years we looked forward to spending in recreation now seem to be sprinkled with little bouts of health concerns here and there. It seems like aging has thrown us a curveball, making our daily activities and favorite hobbies more challenging.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! Imagine if you could regain that skip in your step, the strength to swing your golf club, or the ability to stay active and enjoy time with your loved ones without worrying about a looming backache or the risk of a fall. This is a very achievable reality!
This is where physical therapy revitalizes your body and spirit, one session at a time!
What Happens When We Get Older?
You may have noticed or heard a loved one talk about feeling stiff or having aches and pains as they get older. Well, it’s true that our bodies undergo various changes as we age. When people reach the age of 60 and above, they sometimes find that their muscles aren’t as strong as they used to be, and they might not move as quickly.
Let’s explore some of the most common physical changes we experience as we get older:
- Joints: As we grow older, our joints might not be as limber as they were when we were younger. Conditions like osteoarthritis can make joints a bit achy and less mobile.
- Muscles: When we’re older, our muscles are not as strong as when we were kids or adults. We lose muscle mass, and with it, we lose strength and reaction time to respond to daily challenges.
- Balance: Keeping a good balance can become challenging as we age, leading to slips and falls. Changes to our vision also impact the changes to our muscles and joints, which lead to difficulties with our balance.
Getting older is a natural part of life, but it can sometimes bring some changes to our bodies that we might not be too excited about. Thankfully, with the help of Atlanta Human Performance Center’s Doctors of Physical Therapy, you can continue to enjoy your favorite activities and even try new ones while keeping your bodies happy and healthy!
How Our Doctors of Physical Therapy Can Help
Like James, many of us might feel slower and less sturdy as we age. Fortunately, our Doctors of Physical Therapy are here to help you get back into action. We’ll start by conducting a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination and medical history, to understand your physical abilities and overall health.
Next, we’ll design a program to address your specific needs, including:
- Mobility Exercises: We’ll guide you through gentle stretches and mobility work to ease the aches in your joints and improve your overall ability to move.
- Strengthening Exercises: Our therapists will teach you targeted strengthening exercises to improve your ability to react and regain your power. Strong muscles mean we can safely continue doing all the things we love.
- Balance and Gait Drills: Doctors of Physical Therapy can teach us special exercises and drills that make us more stable so we can walk safely without worrying about falling.
Our experienced therapists will help guide you to a happier and healthier life, where morning walks are a joy and playing with the grandkids is a breeze!
Get the Right Guidance To Getting Older!
If you or someone you know is over 60 and wants to take great care of their health, visiting Atlanta Human Performance Center can help you learn how to take care of your body so you can 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!
Your Progress Matters To Us!
Return to Atlanta Human Performance Center and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Simple Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients:
- 12–16 ounces fresh asparagus (pencil-thin), woody ends trimmed
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or use a garlic press
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- a squeeze of lemon juice
- Optional Garnishes: grated parmesan, toasted slivered almonds or pinenuts, basil, flat-leaf parsley, chili flakes
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400F. Toss the trimmed asparagus in a bowl with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt & pepper. Lay spears out in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Roast until just tender yet still vibrant green, about 15-25 minutes, depending on size and thickness, tossing halfway through. Once tender, toss with lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt. Garnish with any of the optional garnishes.
May Word Scramble
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Answer Key
lawnmower
ladybug
diploma
showers
festival
raindrops
Exercise of the Month
Pendulum With Support
Start by placing your unaffected hand on a table or chair for support with your affected arm hanging straight down in front of your chest. Slowly start moving your hips from side to side and let the momentum from your lower body cause your hanging arm to begin moving in a side-to-side motion. As symptoms improve, increase the diameter of your swing, but never force it. 3 sets, 10 reps.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“After I got injured with a concussion, I was introduced to the Atlanta Human Performance Center for treatment. From day one, Dr. Evans took the time and explained to me the type of therapy I would receive. Sure enough, the vestibular therapy I received at Atlanta Human Performance Center by Dr. Evans and his staff was hands-on, professional, and top-notch. From where I started, in the end, I now feel so much better. Actually, a lot better! Of course, I would highly recommend Atlanta Human Performance Center. đź‘Ť
Thanks!”
– T.B.
Move Smart This Season: Avoid Common Injuries While Hiking, Running & Biking
As the weather warms up and we head outdoors for hikes, bike rides, and runs, it’s important to keep injury prevention top of mind. Whether you’re hitting the trails or cruising your neighborhood, moving smart can help you stay active all season long.
Common injuries include ankle sprains, shin splints, knee pain (like runner’s knee), lower back strain, and overuse injuries like tendinitis. These often happen when we do “too much, too soon” or skip proper warm-ups and recovery.
Here are some simple tips to help you stay injury-free:
- Warm up before you move. Dynamic stretches and light movement help prepare your body for action.
- Progress gradually. Increase intensity, distance, or duration slowly to give your muscles and joints time to adapt.
- Wear the right gear. Supportive footwear and properly fitted helmets or biking gear can make a big difference.
- Listen to your body. Don’t push through pain. Discomfort may be your body’s way of warning you.
- Cool down and stretch. Gentle stretching and foam rolling post-activity help prevent stiffness and soreness.
If you’re dealing with aches or pains that don’t go away—or you want help building a safe, effective routine—a physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify risks, and guide you toward your goals.
Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy all the adventures this season has to offer!
