By: Ellie White-Stevens

Old age is not for sissies, as the saying goes.

The aging process brings with it a long life history that can often include numerous injuries, surgeries and serious or chronic illnesses over many years. It all adds up, and it can mean a great deal of pain in one’s twilight years.

Some elderly people find moving very difficult. They struggle, or they simply stop moving. That can make things even worse. The goal is to do whatever can be done to reverse the process and see improvement.

“The main part of dealing with chronic pain is to get somebody to slowly start having positive movement experiences, movements that start to feel better in their body versus worse in their body,” said Dr. Karyn Staples, PT, PhD, NCPT of ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio in Peachtree City.

“As physical therapists at ProHealth, we are trained to work with people across the lifespan and have specific knowledge of individuals as they age. Not everybody ages the same.”

A key component of the ProHealth regimen is the incorporation of Pilates into the rehabilitation process. Each patient on the Pilates equipment can be placed at the right level of resistance and in the correct positions to achieve the improved range of motion and joint mobility that he or she specifically needs.

Joint replacement is a more common procedure with older patients in the 21st century. When one joint is not operating properly or causes discomfort, another will often overcompensate. This can be difficult to correct even after a joint is replaced and the original pain is gone. When one part of the body sees improvement, another area begins to show regression.

“It takes a comprehensive look at the entire body – the whole picture,” said Staples. “It isn’t always about being pain-free. Our job is to help improve the ability to manage symptoms and be aware of things that cause pain to increase. Then we look at how those positions, postures or activities could be done differently so there is less pain.”

For the over-60 demographic, which makes up a significant percentage of the overall Prohealth clientele, there are always ups and downs when it comes to physical health. A patient is treated for shoulder pain and sees marked improvement, then has a setback due to a fall which could cause hip and knee issues, even surgery.

Accidents and injuries are inevitable. Life happens, at every stage of life. When it does, ProHealth is there. Recovery can be a lengthy process, but professional help is available every step of the way. No one has to be confined to a sedentary life simply because of age.

The staff at ProHealth has the expertise and equipment to provide excellent senior-focused physical therapy and pain management. They can help you live your life to its fullest, regardless of your age.

ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio is located at 1777 Georgian Park in Peachtree City. for more information or to book an appointment, phone 770-487-1931 or visit prohealthga.com.