9 Health Secrets from Physical Therapists

You know the saying about doctors and apples. But what if you’re tired of conventional wisdom from healthcare professionals? What if you’re looking for lesser-known knowledge? Here are just a few secrets that your physical therapist could tell you.

1. You can become stronger at 60 than you were at 16

There’s a common misconception that all senior citizens are fragile and weak. While it’s true that your body will begin to slow down as you age, there’s no reason that you can’t stay in shape and even build muscle as a member of the older generation. Resistance training is a technique used in physical therapy to help strengthen muscles, tendons and joints, and it’s performed by people of all shapes, sizes and ages.

2. Pain in your back can be treated naturally

You don’t need surgeries and prescriptions to ease the symptoms of lower back pain. A good chiropractor or physical therapist will able to identify your unique problem areas, and once you know where it’s hurting, you can use a variety of techniques to treat it. For example, if the pain is located in your spine, you might start a regimen of stretches and anti-inflammation packs designed specifically for spinal pain.

3. You can strengthen your bones by taking a stroll

You probably already know that walking is good for you, but were you aware that it helps your bones specifically?

Bones weaken as you get older, and while the density loss is ultimately unstoppable, walking will slow the process in a big way.

Osteoporosis can strike much earlier than you think, so don’t take chances with your skeletal system.

4. You can manage your chronic pain

While there’s no cure, the effects of chronic pain can be significantly lessened with things like meditation and mobility exercises. There are even certain foods that you can eat to help you relieve inflammation, boost your immune system and improve your overall health. Don’t listen to the doomsayers when it comes to chronic pain. You can learn to manage it.

5. Your heart is the most at-risk organ in your body

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. To make matters worse, many people don’t even realize that they have heart problems until it’s too late. Combat this unfortunate trend by seeing your doctor regularly and committing yourself to at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise every week.

6. You can prevent falls as a senior citizen with physical therapy

You don’t have to be sick or injured to benefit from physical therapy. As a matter of fact, regular time with a physical therapist can help prevent sickness and injury, especially if you’re a senior citizen at risk for falls. Mobility exercises are good practice for retaining your balance, coordination and flexibility for a long time to come.

7. Your brain needs exercise, too

People who live a sedentary lifestyle are at a much greater risk of stroke, disease and obesity than their physically active counterparts. They also have more problems with their brains. Research suggests that sedentary individuals are at an increased risk for degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, so it’s worth the trouble of stepping on a treadmill. Your future self will thank you.

8. Diabetes is not inevitable

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 29 million people have diabetes in the U.S. alone. It’s become so common that some people consider themselves doomed right from the start. Contrary to popular belief, however, diabetes can be prevented, treated and managed with a regular fitness routine, so break out the dumbbells and get serious about your health.

9. Physical therapists can assist you with a wide variety of health problems

From poor posture to bladder leakage, physical therapists are used to treating a number of ailments. If you’re troubled by any sort of health issue, consider contacting a physical therapist in addition to your doctor. They may have suggestions and remedies that other medical professionals don’t.

These are just nine health secrets for an improved life. Whether you’re a young person looking to the future or an older individual hoping to improve your health, these tips should help you create a brighter, happier you.