How The 3 Common Myths About Exercise And The Elderly Affect Quality Life

There are several commonly held myths and misconceptions about exercise and the elderly that can hinder progress and discourage individuals from pursuing a healthier lifestyle. I ran across this post on social media last week and it triggered me. I have 4 boys aged 18, 16, 14, and 12. One day they will have kids…
9 reasons why staying social is vitally important as we age

Here are 9 reasons why staying social is vitally important as we age. Oh, let’s talk about the importance of staying social as you age! Imagine friendships as little rays of sunshine that keep your life’s garden blooming. It’s not just about having someone to chat with; staying social has some real-deal benefits that can…
The Positive Side of Aging: How to deal with getting older

Have you ever felt that “getting older is the worst”? Wished you thought it was a gift? Is there really a positive side to aging? Something I used to hear my patients say in my former clinic with so many dealing with age-related joint pain is some form of “aging is the worst”! “It sucks…
Top 5 benefits of exercise for people over 55

What are the benefits of exercise? “I just hate exercise, and I hate that I hate exercise.” A patient recently told me when I was asking about how she was doing with her home exercises. We both shared a laugh. But then she said, “No but seriously, if I had just been better about exercising…
How Much Exercise Do Older Adults Need: Essential Exercise Recommendations for Older Adults

In my line of work as a physical therapist specializing in exercises for older adults to help individuals over 40 stay active and independent, I often come across stories that highlight the importance of maintaining our physical health. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with a 62-year-old woman who sought my help due to…
How to Relieve Lower Back Pain Fast Without Relying On Painkillers

Planning a trip or some fun activities with the family this summer but worried your lower back pain might raise its ugly head at the worst possible time? At Preferred Physical Therapy, we see this all the time, but what is surprising is how long people will live with pain or fear, no matter how…
Two Simple At-Home Balance Tests If You’re Worried About Falling

Falls are a major concern for people in later life and for people with balance-impacting conditions such as Vertigo. And it’s very understandable. A fall can lead to serious injuries, broken bones, and even death. And if you can recover from your fall, there is much longer-lasting damage to your confidence and leave you terrified…
Don’t get Caught in Tendon-Confusion! The Difference Between Tendonitis and Tendonosis Explained

Many have either suffered from tendinitis or at least heard of it. But have you ever heard of TENDINOSIS? If you’ve ever suffered from tendonitis – then you know that it can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months! What is the difference between Tendonitis and Tendonosis? Tendonitis is an acute, short-term, inflammatory…
Maintaining Mobility in Later Years: The Importance of Proper Gait Mechanics

Why Proper Gait Mechanics Matter As we age, it’s natural for our bodies to experience changes that can affect the way we move. For older adults, these changes can include a loss of leg strength and coordination, as well as a loss of flexibility in the hips and spine. These gait deviations can lead…
Ouch! – What to do when you Pull a Muscle

What Happens When You Pull A Muscle? A pulled muscle is just another way to describe a muscle strain. Muscle strains are painful. Muscle strains occur when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn. A torn muscle is graded by 3 degrees. Mild, moderate, and complete tear. Muscle strains can occur without warning…