BOOMERITIS - Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Aging Athlete

By Herschel Budlow, Registered Physical Therapist

The boomer babies have now come of age. And, with age, along with wisdom, comes increasing general health and musculoskeletal problems.

Here at the practice of  Martin Z. Kanner, M.D., P.A., we provide a full musculoskeletal assessment of the aging athlete and provide programs which are customized to fit the physical, psychological, and time restrictions of the generation born between 1946 and 1964.

Our goals are primarily to prevent injuries in the older athlete through appropriate conditioning and recommendations which best suit the need of that individual. Additionally, our highly experienced staff seeks to treat or reverse those musculoskeletal conditions which are presently impairing the senior athlete.

With the increasing number of “baby boomers” currently entering their 60’s, the older athlete is an ever-growing population seeking sports medicine care.

People are not only living longer, but are attempting to remain as active as they were 20 years ago. They want to exercise and compete at a high level. Physicians, physical therapists, and exercise physiologists who treat and work with the boomer population are seeing a larger number of patients who do not want to “give in” to their chronological age.

These athletes simply refuse to modify their athletic and fitness activities as common sense would dictate.

Here, a little bit of knowledge about our bodies can go a long way. Connective tissues – tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, weight-bearing joints - hips, knees, ankles - and the spine begin to wear out after 50 years of stress.  Bones become more brittle. Soft tissues become less pliable. Cartilage degrades. Muscle mass declines 10% between the ages of 25 to 50.  By the 80’s, the average individual has lost 45% of his/her youthful muscle mass -if they do nothing about it.  Fortunately, approximately 30 to 50 percent of the physiological changes are the result of de-conditioning, that is, little or no exercise.

To stay fit, healthy, and continue athletic and fitness activities into our boomer years, one must train the body safely and properly.  

An appropriate exercise program combined with a balanced nutritious diet is basic. A routine providing for strength, endurance, and flexibility is a start towards a safe and enjoyable active senior lifestyle.

At our practice, the team approach headed by Doctor Martin Z. Kanner, physical therapists, Herschel Budlow, R.P.T., and Doctor of Physical Therapy, Heather Hipp join together to treat conditions related to exercise and sports seen in the patients 60 and older. We utilize the sports medicine philosophy of maintaining the patient’s fitness as well as simultaneously treating the “problem” to allow the individual to safely and efficiently resume participation.

The patient learns a conditioning program individually designed to accomplish his or her particular goals and needs. Fitness is maintained during treatment and the patient learns preventative measures to avoid recurrence of their problems.

Our goal is to achieve a balance between an age-appropriate active lifestyle while minimizing injuries that this lifestyle might otherwise lead to.

After a thorough history and physical examination by Doctor Martin Kanner, a Board Certified Specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, the patient will undergo, if necessary, appropriate x-ray and other imaging studies. The patient may be prescribed appropriate medications, modified to fit with the patient’s overall health needs.
Following Doctor Kanner’s evaluation, the patient will be evaluated by our Physical Therapy Team. Any musculoskeletal injuries will be treated through the use our state-of-the-art modalities and exercise equipment. Exercises will be added to enhance endurance, flexibility, and strength. Potentially injurious exercises will be eliminated from the patient’s current program.

We look forward to the opportunity of helping you enjoy an active, pain-free lifestyle.

 

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