Sciatica Exercises for Seniors: A Guide to Relieve Discomfort and Improve Mobility
Sciatica exercises for seniors can help you find comfort when pain becomes a problem. 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, there are effective […]
Understanding the Connection Between Hearing and Balance
When we think of balance, we often picture ourselves standing on one foot or walking in a straight line. But did you know that our balance is influenced by more than our ability to stand upright? It’s a complex process involving several body parts, including our brain and ears. Yes, you read that right! Our […]
The Most Common Pickleball Injuries (And How to Avoid Them)
Wondering about how you can avoid pickleball injuries? Pickleball is a fun and social game rapidly gaining popularity, especially among seniors. It’s easy to learn and can be played at various difficulty levels. However, as with any physical activity, there is a risk of injury. Injuries can occur in most of the body’s major joints. […]
A Pickleball vs. Tennis Match-up: How Do They Stack Up?
Are you curious about the difference between pickleball vs. tennis? The rapidly growing sport of pickleball has piqued the interest of many people, including tennis enthusiasts. While both sports share a handful of characteristics, such as using racquets and a ball, they pose different physical demands, health benefits, accessibility, and social dynamics. In short, they’re […]
The Hand Neuropathy Exercises Recommended by Physical Therapists
Do your hands often tingle with that frustrating “pins and needles” sensation? Are everyday activities such as buttoning a shirt or holding a pen increasingly challenging? You’re not alone. Hand neuropathy can affect anyone; as we age, it can become an even more common concern. But you don’t have to let hand neuropathy hold you […]
2024 Guide to Parkinson’s Disease: Symptoms, Treatments, and Exercise Benefits
Regardless of your age, its very likely that you know someone who is dealing with the effects of Parkinson’s Disease. 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 move through stages […]
All About Menopause and Joint Pain
As we age, various body changes can lead to discomfort and pain, particularly in our joints. This is especially true for women transitioning through menopause. So, why does menopause cause joint pain? In this post, we’ll delve into the science behind these changes, particularly the role of hormones, bone health, and inflammation. We’ll also explore […]
“Help! I Woke Up With Neck Pain And Can’t Turn My Head!”
There’s nothing quite like a good night’s sleep. But what happens when you wake up, ready to seize the day, only to be met with a sharp, restricting pain in your neck? Morning neck pain can be a jarring way to start the day, hindering your ability to perform routine tasks, including turning your head […]
“How Hard Should I Exercise?” Your Guide to Exercise Intensity
If you’re new to exercise or working out for the first time in a long time, you’re probably curious about how hard you should exercise. As we age, maintaining an active lifestyle becomes increasingly crucial to our overall health and well-being. Research indicates regular physical activity can help manage chronic conditions, improve mobility, and enhance […]
Sex After 60: Your Guide to Intimate Self-Care
Sex after 60 can present unique challenges due to various physiological and psychological factors. One prominent aspect is the natural aging process, which often leads to changes in hormonal levels, diminished muscle tone, and decreased blood flow, impacting sexual response. Moreover, older individuals may encounter health issues such as arthritis or cardiovascular conditions that can […]
Beyond Pain Relief: The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition among active older adults, and it often leads to significant discomfort and pain, impacting daily life. But the challenges posed by arthritis don’t have to be a constantly worsening concern. Physical therapy offers hope, providing effective pain management and improved mobility for many arthritis patients. This comprehensive guide delves into […]
How To Tell If You Are Out of Shape & What You Can Do About It
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 […]
Exploring the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Dementia Patients
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 […]
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 stress, leading to unnecessary neck and shoulder pain. Fortunately, you can relieve pain with commonsense […]
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 […]
Gout In Knee: Common Sense Approaches for Multi-Joint Health
Have you ever wondered how gout affects different body parts? Are you curious about what you can do to address the challenges of a gout diagnosis? Contrary to popular belief, gout isn’t only a disease of the feet; it can also affect the hands, knees, and shoulders, among other areas. According to the National Institute […]
Navigating Toenail Care: Essential Tips for Older Adults
As we age, taking care of our toenails becomes more important than ever, but it can also be more difficult for various reasons. Sometimes, toenail care might slip when dealing with other health issues. Toenail care is more than just looking good — it’s key for staying healthy and comfortable in our senior years. Ignoring […]
All About Heel Pain
Maintaining mobility and independence is one of our most important well-being priorities as we age. However, heel pain, a common and debilitating condition for many seniors, can hinder our ability to stay active and engaged in daily activities. This article will delve into heel pain, exploring its common (and some less common) causes, the importance […]
How to Improve Circulation in the Legs & Feet
As a physical therapist, I deeply understand the significance of maintaining good circulation, especially for my older patients. This guide focuses on how to improve circulation in the legs and feet, an area crucial for overall health and mobility in seniors. In this article, we’ll explore the fundamentals of circulatory health, provide practical exercises, and […]
“How Long Does Gout Last?” and Other Important Things to Know About It
Have you been diagnosed with gout? Gout attacks, while intensely painful, fortunately, have a somewhat predictable duration and frequency, although these can vary significantly from person to person. Gout is more than a mere inconvenience characterized by sharp pain, swelling, and general discomfort. This all-too-common but often misunderstood condition can significantly impact our joints as […]
What Causes Swelling in the Feet & Ankles (And How to Fix It)
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 […]
Understanding Bone Density Tests for Women: When and Why to Get Screened
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
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 […]
Understanding Neuropathy Treatment: Symptoms, Causes & Strategies
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 […]
Crackling Knees? Here’s Knee Crepitus Exercises That Help
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
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
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
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?
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. […]
A Guide to Using a TENS Unit for Lower Back Pain Relief
Discover how a TENS unit can relieve lower back pain for seniors: its benefits, how to use it, and best practices for maximum benefit.
Common Causes (and Solutions) to Age-Related Muscle Weakness
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
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 […]
Understanding Dupuytren’s Contracture: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
Explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for Dupuytren’s Contracture, a common hand condition affecting seniors.
A Guide to E-Stim: Electrical Stimulation Therapy
Explore Electrical Stimulation Therapy, a modern approach to managing pain and improving muscle function—its types, benefits, and risks.
How to Improve Posture and Feel Younger With These 3 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 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 […]
A Senior’s Guide to Arthritis of the Wrist & Hand
Do you have persistent pain or discomfort in your hands and wrists? Arthritis affects millions worldwide, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Since we use our hands and wrist joints so often, regular wear and tear can make them especially susceptible to arthritis, which can interfere with daily tasks and activities. In this […]
Simple Hand Stretches and Exercises for Pain Relief
If you are experiencing pain in your hands while doing simple tasks like holding a cup or turning a doorknob, know you are not alone. Hand and wrist pain plagues people of all ages but becomes much more prevalent as we age. Getting older means our hands can become weaker and less flexible, causing discomfort […]
How Functional Movement Can Improve Your Health and Well-Being as You Age
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
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, […]
The Value of Therapeutic Exercise for Stroke Patients
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
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
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
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 […]
