One of the most common phrases I hear when people come to see me is….. “I’m getting older“ as the reason for their injury or aches & pains.
Whilst that may be true to a degree in many cases, it isn’t always the case. I see my job as helping people to keep doing what they enjoy, whatever their age. On occasions I have to admit defeat, but in most cases it is possible, even if we have to adapt a few things.
Prevention is better than cure is a good ‘truism’. Part of coming to see me is to help prevent things getting worse or happening at all. As we get older, staying active is one of the best things we can do for our health – but it’s also common to worry about injuries, aches, and slower recovery. The good news? **Most age-related injuries are preventable ** with the right approach to movement, strength, and care
Why Do Injuries Become More Common with Age?
Ageing brings natural changes to the body, including:
* Loss of muscle mass and strength;
Men and women lose up to 2% of muscle per year and 4% of strength. Women lose more than men. The good news is that it can be improved at any age.
* Reduced joint mobility and flexibility;
Tendon stiffness increases up to 30% after 50 years of age and up to 60% by 80. This means the tendons cannot cope as well with fast loading and have reduced energy storage, increasing risk of muscle strains and tendinopathy, especially the Achilles and Quadriceps tendons.
* Longer recovery after strain or overload;
These age-related changes don’t mean pain or injury is inevitable, but they do mean your body benefits from more targeted help to aid recovery. With things like shockwave and low-level laser treatment we can also speed up the healing process. When you come to see me, I will help develop a plan that focuses on the specifics and in many instances stop you doing things you shouldn’t.
* Slower reaction times and balance;
After 50, our reaction times decrease by 10–20% compared to a 20-year-old. This isn’t a lot, but in everyday terms you may take slightly longer to ‘catch’ yourself during a slip, quick directional changes feel harder (eg sports, uneven ground) and for those with weakness, balance corrections are delayed just enough to increase fall risk.
Common Problems as We Age
Some of the most common aches and pains seen in clinic in adults over 40 are:
- Lower back pain and stiffness
- Shoulder and rotator cuff issues
- Knee and hip pain
- Tendon injuries (Achilles, Patella, Hamstring)
- The effect of falls, related to poor balance
Many of these age-related issues develop gradually and can often be prevented with early intervention by understanding and treating the cause of the issues
Key Principles to Prevent Injuries as You Age
Strength Training Is Essential
Muscle strength protects joints, improves balance and reduces strain on tendons and ligaments. Strength training isn’t about lifting heavy weights – it’s about maintaining functional strength for daily life. You don’t even have to go to a gym, it can all be done at home
Mobility Matters
Stiff joints increase injury risk. Chiropractic treatment, mobility exercises and stretches help joints move through their full range safely and comfortably.
Balance Training
Balance naturally declines with age, but it can be trained. Improving balance significantly lowers the risk of having a fall and boosts confidence.
Don’t Ignore Small Aches
Minor discomfort is often an early warning sign. Addressing issues early with chiropractic care can help prevent long-term problems.
How Chiropractic Helps Prevent Aches Becoming Pains and Injuries
Preventative care isn’t just for when you’re in pain. When you come to see me, we can address all of the factors mentioned above from strength training to better movement, balance and treatment.
The aim is to keep you doing what you want to do.
If you have any questions on this blog just get in touch.
