Los Altos, CA
This is Part 4 in our 5 Part series “Myths You Were Told About Your Pain”
Pain Myth #1: “Rest Will Fix Your Problem”
Pain Myth #2: “Just Stretch It”
Pain Myth #3: “A Cortisone Injection is the Answer To Your Problem”
Pain Myth #5: “You Need To Get an MRI”
First, have you heard any of these before?
“Your aches and pains are a normal part of the aging process.”
“The aches and pains let you know that you’re still alive.”
“What do you expect? You’re just getting older.”
If so, don’t worry because they are all myths.
It’s a commonly held belief that pain is an inevitable part of aging and there is nothing you can do about it. But just because you are older doesn’t mean you should be experiencing or expecting more pain. The vast majority of people should be able to lead relatively pain-free lives as they get older.
Numerous scientific studies have failed to find a direct relationship between age and pain. Other studies have found that aging has no effect on the prognosis of musculoskeletal pain.
Studies have also failed to find a direct relationship between arthritis and pain – meaning just because you have arthritis doesn’t mean you have to have pain. I have treated patients who had mild arthritis with a lot of pain and I’ve treated patients with severe arthritis and only have mild pain or even none at all.
I have also had patients who are in their 70’s & 80’s who regularly play tennis, golf, bike, etc. So, the whole age-related pain idea is a misinterpretation.
If you are getting advice from someone attributing you pain to age.…it’s probably time to seek out another opinion. The next time someone tells you that your knee hurts because of your age…ask them why your other knee – that is the same age – doesn’t hurt.
When I evaluate patients, I don’t use age as a factor for their pain. I listen to the person’s problem, learn their goals, and do a physical assessment that allows me to learn how they move. I then put all the information together and, if I think the person and I would be a good fit for each other, formulate a plan to help them reach their goals.
Don’t use age as an excuse for your pain and reason to not do the activities you once were able to do. Come in for a FREE Discovery Session and we will help you get you back to doing the things you love to do.
YES, I WANT A FREE DISCOVERY SESSION!
NEXT WEEK STAY TUNED FOR:
Pain Myth #5: “You Need To Get An MRI”
Remember, it’s Your health. Your time. Your money. Your choice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kim Gladfelter, MPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Women's Health Physical Therapy Specialist at PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness
Kim Gladfelter is a physical therapist, Pilates instructor, educator, author, and co-founder of PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness. She is known as a keen, well-rounded expert of healing through movement and women’s health specialist in the Silicon Valley area.
Kim has helped men and women of all ages to stay active and feel their best. She also writes about managing pain in her health columns, blogs and the local Los Altos Town Crier newspaper as well as reaches out to the local community, support groups, schools, libraries, and sports centers to advise and educate on body awareness and therapeutic exercise.