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Dear Friend, 

Greetings! It's physical therapy month and we need to let everyone know that you can get stronger as you age. This holds true even if you've never exercised before! This holds true whether you are in your 60's,70's,80's and into your 90's!!

I am 61 years old and I am beginning to notice ex patients who have become dear friends, moving from walking to a walker and then to a wheelchair. These wonderful people are in their 70's, 80's and 90's and had been so vibrant. This is disturbing because they are intellectually sharp, and it hurts me to see them become unnecessarily inactive.

What can you do to prevent this? The answer is simple! Come to an experienced physical therapist who understands the physical aging process and can put you on a simple, but safe exercise program. When you begin, you may experience some muscle soreness, but when you work with an experienced physical therapist, they'll evaluate you and find just the right exercises to help you get back on your independent feet again! 

Approximately 6-8 weeks ago, a college coach called because he was losing his balance. He was worried about falling and possibly fracturing something. At the age of 92, he came to see me to ask for advice. He informed me that he had not been exercising his legs because he had a few hip replacements and thought the exercise might cause him a problem. After testing his leg strength, he was extremely surprised at how weak he had become. I gave him 2 exercises to work on daily. He came back 5 weeks later telling me he was walking much better than he had in a long time!  He was so much stronger and more confident in his balance, that he was forgetting to take his cane at times! 

I told him to keep his cane and continue working on his exercises. He left an extremely excited and happy, young 92 year old! If he can get his strength back, we all can! If you are beginning to notice your legs getting weaker and your balance less steady, please call and come see us! 

We can help you regain more of your independence.

We can help get you Stronger Every Day!!!
 
Enjoy!
Fran
 
Health Information

  
 Physical Therapist Tips to Help You #AgeWell
 
We can't stop time. Or can we? The right type and amount of physical activity can help stave off many age-related health problems. Physical therapists, who are movement experts, prescribe physical activity that can help you overcome pain, gain and maintain movement, and preserve your independence-often helping you avoid the need for surgery or long-term use of prescription drugs.
 
  Chronic pain doesn't have to be the boss of you.
Each year 116 million Americans experience chronic pain from arthritis or other conditions, costing billions of dollars in medical treatment, lost work time, and lost wages. Proper exercise, mobility, and pain management techniques can ease pain while moving and at rest, improving your overall quality of life.
 
You can get stronger when you're older.
Research shows that improvements in strength and physical function are possible in your 60s, 70s, and even 80s and older with an appropriate exercise program. Progressive resistance training, in which muscles are exercised against resistance that gets more difficult as strength improves, has been shown to prevent frailty .
 
You may not need surgery or drugs for low back pain.
Low back pain is often  over-treated with surgery and drugs despite a wealth of scientific evidence demonstrating that physical therapy can be an effective alternative-and with much less risk than surgery and long-term use of prescription medications.
 
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 1 and type 2 diabetes.
 
Exercise can help you avoid falls-and keep your independence
About one in three U.S. adults age 65 or older  falls each year. More than half of adults over 65 report problems with movement, including walking 1/4 mile, stooping and standing.  Group-based exercises led by a physical therapist can improve movement and balance and reduce your risk of falls. It can also reduce your risk of  hip fractures (95 percent of which are caused by falls).
 
Your bones want you to exercise.
Osteoporosis or weak bones affects more than half of Americans over the age of 54. Exercises that keep you on your feet, like walking, jogging, or dancing, and exercises using resistance, such as weightlifting, can improve bone strength or reduce bone loss.
 
Your heart wants you to exercise.
Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the US. One of the top ways of preventing it and other cardiovascular diseases? Exercise! Research shows that if you already have heart disease, appropriate exercise can improve your health.
 
Your brain wants you to exercise.
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.
 
You don't "just have to live with" bladder leakage.
More than 13 million women and men in the US have bladder leakage. Don't spend years relying on pads or rushing to the bathroom.
 
Call MPT today if you have any questions or concerns!
(574)233-5754


MPT News & Happenings
The MPT team is happy to support:

The Secret Sisters Society Luncheon and Style Show
October 14th, Century Center

Alcohol & Addictions Resource Center - Luncheon Celebrating 53 years!
October 22nd, Gillespie Center


Fran's Favorite Quotes

"We are what we believe we are"
"Favorite Physical Therapy"
 
McDonald Physical Therapy
574-233-5754
  [email protected]
  Mcdonaldpt.com

 

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