Understanding Bone Density Tests for Women: When and Why to Get Screened

Image of an older African American viewing bone density test results with her female doctor

Bone density is a simple way of measuring how strong our bones are. This becomes increasingly important as we age, particularly for women. Bone density is measured by the amount of calcium and other minerals in our bones. When these minerals are in short supply, conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis can develop, leading to bones […]

Exercise and Blood Pressure Management: A Comprehensive Guide for Active Adults

Image of a blood pressure cuff and a small stuffed heart

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is crucial to our well-being, especially as we age. High blood pressure—or hypertension—is a common concern for many active adults. Despite being a common issue, it’s important not to underestimate its dangers. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. The good […]

Sciatica Exercises for Seniors: A Guide to Relieve Discomfort and Improve Mobility

Senior man rubs his hip from sciatica pain

Are you or a loved one grappling with the discomfort associated with sciatica? You’re certainly not alone. Sciatica, often identified by its signature symptom of one-sided, radiating leg pain, can pose significant daily problems for active adults.  However, once you’ve identified sciatica as the cause behind your pain and ruled out any serious underlying conditions, […]

Understanding Neuropathy Treatment: Symptoms, Causes & Strategies

Older woman rubs her wrists due to neuropathy pain

Neuropathy, a condition caused by damaged nerves, often presents perplexing symptoms that can disrupt daily life. Its origins are varied, stemming from a number of conditions or injuries. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial to seeking appropriate treatment, which may range from medication and lifestyle adjustments to specific therapies. In this article, we delve into […]

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: Key Insights on Symptoms, Treatments, and Management

Physical therapist helps parkinsons patient

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson’s Disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States, with Alzheimer’s being the first. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive brain disorder caused by a degeneration of nerve cells in an area of the brain that controls many aspects of movement including speech. People with PD […]

Crackling Knees? Here’s Knee Crepitus Exercises That Help

Image of a doctor palpating a senior woman's knee to examine knee crepitus

If you’ve ever wondered about the crackling sounds your knees make when you bend or extend them, you might be experiencing a common occurrence known as knee crepitus. This article will unravel the mystery behind these curious noises and share some practical exercises for pain relief and joint mobility.   Understanding Knee Crepitus Your knee joint […]

Creaky Shoulders? What To Do For Shoulder Crepitus

Image of a senior woman stretching her arms and shoulders before a run.

Have you noticed your shoulders making new sounds in recent years? Perhaps you’re experiencing the peculiar sensation of your shoulders crackling, popping, or feeling stiff. This noisy phenomenon, known as shoulder crepitus, can be a nuisance that affects your shoulders’ comfortable movement and mobility. This article will help you understand why crepitus happens and how […]

Understanding Bladder Spasms and Their Impact on Pelvic Floor Health

Image of senior couple walking outdoors and drinking coffee

Bladder spasms are a common condition that can significantly impact daily life. Spasms are increasingly recognized as a concern in pelvic floor health, especially among older adults who want to maintain mobility and well-being. These involuntary contractions of the bladder, often accompanied by a sudden and intense urge to urinate, can pose challenges that affect […]

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: A Guide to Relief and Recovery

Image of older blonde woman rubbing her heel from plantar fasciitis pain

Have you ever experienced a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel when you take your first steps in the morning? Or perhaps you’ve felt a persistent ache in the arch of your foot that won’t go away. If so, you might be among the millions of active adults who have encountered a common yet often […]

How Long Does It Take to Rehydrate?

Image of an older blonde woman drinking water while hiking

For active adults, hydration is a critical aspect of health and well-being. But what causes dehydration? How long does it take to rehydrate? What signs should you look for that indicate dehydration? Let’s dig into the science of hydration, strategies to prevent dehydration, and some practical tips to ensure you remain well-hydrated throughout your day. […]

Common Causes (and Solutions) to Age-Related Muscle Weakness 

A senior woman with sarcopenia, or age-related muscle weakness being assisted by a nurse as she walks

As the years pass, you might find your muscles aren’t as strong or noticeable as they once were. This phenomenon is known as sarcopenia.  The term is derived from the Greek word for “loss of flesh,” but in this case refers to muscle loss leading to muscle weakness. Sarcopenia is a common issue that plagues […]

How to Manage Arthritis: A Comprehensive Guide to Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

managing arthritis pain in the wrist

Creaky, stiff, or painful joints are all too familiar signs of aging, and arthritis is often the cause. These common symptoms, alongside other signs of aging, can increase the difficulty of performing your daily activities. Arthritis can result in movement problems and pain. However, it can also be managed with select exercises and proper medical […]

How to Improve Posture and Feel Younger With These 3 Exercises

improve posture exercises

Maintaining good posture is more essential for overall health and well-being than you may realize. Poor posture can lead to pain, discomfort, and limited mobility, especially for older people. As we age, the natural deterioration of muscles, joints, and bones can worsen our posture, leading to back or neck pain or other issues. Thankfully, targeted […]

How To Tell If You Are Out of Shape & What to Do About It

getting in shape when you are out of shape

Have you been feeling more tired lately? Do you run out of breath while walking up the stairs or doing other simple tasks? After the COVID-19 quarantine, many people have found that they are less in shape than they used to be. In the last year, I have had an influx of patients reporting that […]

How Can Hand Therapy Help Me? 

Have you ever struggled with discomfort, stiffness, numbness, or a lack of strength in your hands or arms? You’re far from alone. Many seniors live with conditions that impair their hand and upper extremity function, but hand therapy can help. It can be frustrating when your hands don’t perform as you’re used to. These conditions […]

Exploring the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Dementia Patients

Image of the word dementia highlighted in a dictionary. Exercise is one of many treatments to dampen the effects of dementia.

Dementia poses unique challenges for those diagnosed and their loved ones, but hope exists beyond a dementia diagnosis. Though memory lapses and behavioral changes can be challenging at any level, there are actions you can take to combat some of the most difficult symptoms of this all-too-common disease. Physical therapy can help dementia patients improve […]

Swayback Posture: Causes, Risks, and Treatment 

Do you feel an increased pressure in your lower back or a sensation of your upper body leaning backward? Do you notice your stomach protruding or your pelvis tilting forward? If so, you may have what’s known as a “swayback” posture, also called hyperlordosis. This condition results in a pronounced arch in the lower back […]

What Causes Swelling in the Feet & Ankles (And How to Fix It)

Image of elderly man rubbing foot from plantar fasciitis

Have you ever tried putting on your shoes and felt they were tighter than usual or didn’t fit anymore? Or have you noticed a strong indentation in your skin left behind from your socks when taking them off at the end of the day? Swollen legs, ankles, and feet can be anxiety-provoking when you don’t […]

How Functional Movement Can Improve Your Health and Well-Being as You Age

functional movement in kitchen

As you age, your body undergoes changes. These changes can impact your ability to perform everyday tasks and participate in physical activities. Functional movement and exercise are simple ways to maintain or improve physical function. Functional movement exercises mimic the movements of daily life. They can help older adults maintain their independence for longer and improve […]

Jaw Exercises to Relieve TMJ Pain

man with jaw pain

Chronic pain in the jaw is widespread, especially among people over sixty-five. TMJ pain can also accompany many conditions, making it challenging to figure out the exact cause without proper screening. Performing jaw exercises can significantly impact pain for many types of jaw dysfunction regardless of age. Targeted exercises can increase strength, relax tight muscles, […]

Exercises For Tech Neck

Stress from reading the news online isn’t the only downside to computer use: our increased reliance on technology may also be harming our posture and our bodies. Sitting with your head drooping while looking at your phone or tablet causes a lot of stress, leading to unnecessary neck and shoulder pain. Fortunately, you can relieve […]

The Value of Therapeutic Exercise for Stroke Patients

Senior man has visit at physical therapist

Strokes are some of the most common neurological conditions in the United States, affecting roughly 800,000 people each year. A stroke can cause both physical and mental impairments, making normal activities difficult, but it’s important to remember that damage from a stroke is not always permanent, and once cleared by a doctor, exercise is one […]

Physical Therapy for Nerve Pain

sore neck from sitting

Whether it’s a ping of shooting pain down your leg or numbness and tingling in your hand, nerve pain can be frustrating and uncomfortable. In this article, we’ll take a look at what nerve pain is, what causes it and how physical therapy for nerve pain can help to lessen or even relieve symptoms. What […]

Exercises for Hip Bursitis

hip bursitis pain

If you’ve ever experienced hip pain, you know that it can be agitating and limiting in your daily activities. One of the more common varieties of hip pain is known as hip bursitis (or trochanteric bursitis). In this article, we’ll explain what hip bursitis is, and we’ll explore some options for which exercises for hip […]

The Five Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

stages of parkinsons

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a nervous system disorder with varied and progressive symptoms. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, roughly 10 million people worldwide currently live with the disease. Some of these symptoms include involuntary muscle movements, balance problems, and poor coordination. To determine how far along a person is in the disease process, clinicians can […]

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