How Physical Therapy Can Help Common Health Risks in People Over Age 60
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!
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 Atrium Physical Therapy physical therapists, you can continue to enjoy your favorite activities and even try new ones while keeping your bodies happy and healthy!
How Our Physical Therapists Can Help
Like James, many of us might feel slower and less sturdy as we age. Fortunately, our physical therapists 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:
Physical therapists 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 Atrium Physical Therapy 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 Success is Our Priority
Return to Atrium Physical Therapy and let’s continue your journey to wellness together.
Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Call today to get started!
Kayaking & Paddleboarding with a Healthy Twist
Kayaking and paddleboarding are excellent ways to enjoy the outdoors while improving your strength, endurance, and balance. Whether you’re exploring a quiet lake or cruising down a river, using proper technique helps you get the most out of every adventure while protecting your body from unnecessary strain.
These popular water sports are full-body activities that challenge your muscles and cardiovascular system. By paying attention to posture and movement, you can reduce your risk of shoulder, neck, and back discomfort while paddling longer and more efficiently.
Paddle Smarter, Feel Better
Good technique doesn’t just improve performance—it helps distribute the workload throughout your entire body, reducing stress on individual muscles and joints while making every stroke more effective.
Practice Mindful Paddling
Keep a straight back, engage your core, and use proper paddling mechanics. Let your legs and torso help generate power to reduce strain on your shoulders and lower back.
Use Your Whole Body
Think beyond your arms. Involve your legs, hips, core, and back with every stroke for smoother movement, better balance, and improved endurance on the water.
Protect Against Injury
Balanced movement helps prevent muscle imbalances and overuse injuries, allowing you to enjoy longer paddling sessions with greater comfort and confidence.
Enjoy This Healthy Recipe!
Strawberry & Banana Popsicles
Creamy, naturally sweet, and refreshing, these homemade popsicles are the perfect healthy summer treat for both kids and adults.
- 1 pound strawberries, washed and stems removed
- 1 large, ripe banana
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
- sugar to taste (optional: let the fruit do the work instead!)
Add the strawberries, banana, milk, and yogurt to the bowl of a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Taste and add sugar if needed, depending on the ripeness of your fruit and your taste preferences. Pour the liquid into popsicle molds (or even paper cups), insert the handles, and freeze until firm, generally overnight. Enjoy frozen the next day.
Exercise of the Month
HAMSTRING SUPINE STRETCH
Start by lying on your back with both legs straight out. Loop a towel around your foot on the side you want to stretch. Keeping your leg as straight as possible, pull it up into the air using the ends of the towel. Hold when you feel a stretch in the back of your leg. Hold for 30 seconds.
3 Sets, 1 Rep. (Materials needed: towel)
This is one of the few medical facilities that has continued to deliver quality service for many years. Something you do not see very much in the medical system, I would highly recommend this facility. Something I do not do very often.
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Meet Our Team
Dennis L. Prickett
PT, Owner, Chief of Operations
Anthony Apodaca
PTA, Clinic Lead
Jacob Robles
PT Tech
Anna Marie Robles
Customer Service Representative
Monique Montoya
Customer Service Representative
Leticia Guaderrama
Patient Account Specialist
Philip Montoya
Office Assistant
TJ Mallari
PT, DPT
Anastasia Olivares
Customer Service Representative
