Dealing with the Problems of Aging What does it take to keep going as we get older? Did you ever wonder about this? I know I have, both for myself and for my patients. I do believe our bodies were designed for movement. Until modern living, you could not just sit on the sofa and get up and go to the refrigerator; we were on the move, every day, using our legs—no sitting around! My, how things have changed. We have it so easy. If you do not keep moving, I’ll tell you one thing: you won’t keep going. If there was ever a cliché that was actually true, it’s “Use it or lose it!” However, sometimes the aches and pains get to be too much. A pain or injury you thought should get better is still there 2 months later, or more. Don’t laugh, you know it’s true! Some of us are just so stubborn that we keep going, even when there is something fairly simple that’s required to get your body healthy and reduce that pain. The trouble is, we know it’s a hassle to see the doctor. Besides, he or she will probably only prescribe pills or an injection, or, worse yet, it might require (shudder) surgery. I am not against surgery if it’s needed, and medicine can be helpful at managing pain that’s chronic and just won’t go away; however, there may be something you did not think of, something we do think about that can help you to feel better. Sometimes, you need some therapy! Let’s take some examples: Your knee is hurting and you’re not sure what’s wrong. Walking, and especially going up stairs, is very painful. So you get a referral from your doctor and you come see us. As we do our thorough interview and examination, we discover that it hurts when you sit too long; we discover it’s coming from your kneecap rubbing or putting too much pressure. How do we know? We examine you, feel around, and use our experience, that’s how! It may require ice or ultrasound with cortisone cream to reduce the inflammation. It might require stretching to reduce the pressure. The bottom line is, we can use our knowledge and experience to help you. Here’s another example: You’re having trouble walking any distance, and you seem to be getting clumsy; not dizzy or anything, just tripping over your own toes. Going up stairs and getting out of a chair is becoming difficult. So, you get a referral from your doctor to come see us. Through painless nerve testing, we discover that your feet are somewhat numb, you’re surprised and didn’t even know! We try Anodyne Infrared Light Therapy, along with some light exercise and balance training. Soon, you notice you’re not stumbling, stairs are easier, and it’s not as difficult to get up out of a chair. Once again, you can’t know everything, and we’re trained to help you find out what can be done. Research shows that therapy supervised exercise programs are generally more effective at relieving pain. So, if you have pain in your neck or back, a sore shoulder, hand, or finger that isn’t getting better, foot pain that won’t go away, or whatever else, we have the time and expertise to help you so that you can keep going. Don’t delay, because your nerves only have so much capacity to regenerate, and if your pain or tendonitis gets too severe, your only option will be an injection or surgery. Why wait? Give us a call or ask your doctor for a referral for therapy at TriState Hand & Occupational Therapy. Take ownership of your body and give us a try. Call (301) 759-4263 with any questions, or check us out online at www.tristatehand.com. Try therapy before the damage goes too far. Try therapy first at TriState Hand & Occupational Therapy! |
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