Let’s face it, ageing isn’t exactly a walk in the park (or maybe it should be). Sooner than many of us would like creaky joints, aches and pains creep up on us. Of course, it's natural to experience some changes to our bodies but these small changes to our bodies can make it harder to stay active and enjoy life to the fullest. The great news is, that with the right approach, you can continue to live an active and fulfilling life well into your more senior years.
Use it or lose it
We've all heard the saying and it's never been more true than when it comes to our bodies. The national guidelines recommend that physical activity is essential for maintaining good health, preventing chronic diseases, and supporting good mental wellbeing. Moving for at least 150 minutes each week can be a dealbreaker. This could be a brisk walk, a dance class, or even gardening. Strength exercises like lifting weights or yoga can also help maintain future mobility – just two or three times a week is enough to make a difference.
When Pain Gets in the Way
While staying active is crucial, it's also important to listen to your body. If you're experiencing persistent pain, it's time to seek professional help. A physiotherapist can assess your condition and develop a personalised treatment plan to help you manage your pain and get back to doing the things you love.
In some cases, traditional physiotherapy treatments may not be enough to fully address chronic pain conditions like tendinopathy. This is where innovative treatments like shockwave therapy can be beneficial. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that involves delivering short bursts of acoustic waves to the affected area. This can help to stimulate healing and reduce pain.
However, it's important to note that shockwave therapy is not a first-line treatment. Paul Litchfield, Physiotherapist and Clinic Manager at True Physio Skipton and Bingley, explains,
“Shockwave therapy is a fantastic tool, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a quick fix. We always recommend trying conservative treatments first to see if they can resolve the issue.”
Prevention is Key
The best way to age gracefully and pain-free is to focus on prevention. This includes all the things we’re used to hearing which can easily fall by the way side, such as: maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. Regular check-ups with your GP and physiotherapist can also help to identify and address any potential problems early on.
True Physio Physiotherapist, Paul Litchfield added, “The challenge we see most with our patients is that they’ve simply been waiting too long to seek or often access help which can set them back further”.
Often, we can be our own worst critics and certainly when we reach a certain age there’s a societal expectation to ‘fight ageing’. Ageing is a natural process, but it doesn't have to limit your ability to live a full and active life. By making a few lifestyle changes that are personalised to you and seeking professional help when needed, you can overcome physical challenges and continue to thrive and do the things you love.
Find out more at the website: truephysio.co.uk
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