Age is just a number.  

While there’s a lot of truth to this adage, some people handle the number better than others. The truth is as we age, our risk increases for developing conditions that can take the joy out of our favorite daily activities.  

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, chronic conditions affect approximately 70 million Americans aged 50 or older. Natural declines in flexibility and strength contribute to greater challenges older adults face when trying to maintain an active lifestyle.

Fortunately, physical therapists are here to help. As movement experts, physical therapists are well trained to help you maintain your independence by increasing mobility, regaining strength and overcoming pain.

Here are just five ways your physical therapist can help you age well so that you can get the most out of your golden years:

1. Taming Chronic Pain

Every year, an estimated 116 million Americans suffer from chronic pain caused by conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia, resulting in billions of dollars in lost wages, work productivity, and medical expenses. 

Pain makes even routine movements like going up or down stairs, getting out of bed or taking short walks more challenging and cumbersome. Appropriate mobility and strengthening exercises may ease pain during daily activities and improve quality of life. A specific therapeutic program also carries much less risk than surgery and fewer side-effects than long-term opioid use.  

2. Helping You Stay Strong

Declining muscle mass and strength begins to occur after just 30 years of life. This means you have to work even harder to maintain your strength over the years. 

However, research shows that with proper physical training increased strength and functional mobility are possible no matter the age. Exercise programs, especially ones including resistance training, have been proven to prevent bodies from becoming frail.

3. Avoiding Falls

Approximately one in three American adults over the age of 65 falls each year. Over half of this population also reports difficulty performing specific movements like stooping, standing, or even walking short distances.  

Additionally, some people change or avoid activities, resulting in further decline of functional mobility and strength. Balance training is effective in improving steadiness, increasing functional movement and reducing fall risk.

4. Controlling the Bladder

Bladder leakage affects more than 13 million Americans. Dysfunctional muscles within the pelvis often contribute to bladder leakage, creating worry when in public or the tendency to avoid social gatherings out of fear of an accident.

Physical therapists offer specialized treatment programs, including pelvic floor muscle re-education, to help people living with this condition to control their symptoms.

5. Maintaining Strong Bones

More than half of Americans 54 years and older suffer from Osteoporosis. 

Often referred to as a “silent” disease because there are no outward signs or symptoms, this condition causes thin and weakened bones that go undetected until they result in a fracture.  A specific exercise program that includes resistance and weight-bearing activities is beneficial for bone health.

SetPT Can Help

Whether you’re currently living with a chronic condition or are proactivity trying to prevent them, physical therapists are here to help.  

Your physical therapist will perform a detailed evaluation, consider impacts of any preexisting conditions, and create a treatment plan tailored to address any limitations that get in the way of allowing you to participate in your preferred daily activities.   

Contact your local SetPT therapist so you can get on the road to aging well.