We have all heard the old saying that there are two things that are certain in life: death and taxes. Before we check out of this world we live in, we get to experience the inevitable process of aging, to one degree or another. We lose muscle mass, strength, balance, bone density, and cognitive abilities amongst many others. The realization that we can no longer do the things that we once could is tough to come to terms with. It hits the hardest when we start to lose our independence-our ability to simply participate in life and take care of ourselves without assistance.

Since early childhood and thru adolescence we yearn for the ability to gain our independence. From our first steps of life to crossing the stage, these strides are the foundation of what life truly represents. Our first years of activity, for many of us, begin in team sports, dance classes, cheerleading, or intramurals to name few. We slowly begin to branch off and learn our strengths and weaknesses. Activity in our day to day events is a staple occurrence and the ability to get up and go is like an automatic switch that’s always “On”. As time passes us in the blink of an eye as it seems, we all of a sudden find ourselves wearing the shoes of our parents.

Adulthood takes you to the sink or swim effects of life where your independence is relied upon day in and day out. Intramurals convert to Fantasy Football, your new “extra curricular activity” and team sports are now watched on T.V. The active lifestyle that you once embraced takes the gradual decline due to “life”… work, household, and rest. These responsibilities forecast your daily events and overshadow the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle.

Without realizing the effects of time and the deterrents that life has created, you have overlooked the importance of maintaining your independence. Now is the time to focus on not losing your independence. As once quoted by Zig Zigler, “It’s not what happens to you that determines how far you will go in life; it is how you handle what happens to you.” Taking the appropriate measures includes: eating healthy, exercising regularly, staying involved in your social activities, scheduling regular check-ups with your physician, and getting evaluated by a physical therapist.

As we grow older in life, and transition from an athlete to a weekend warrior, a physical therapist can many times become our new best friend. This medical professional can test your balance, strength, gait, and your ability to transition safely from one position to another. Their knowledge and expertise in helping people just like you: the injured athlete, arthritic patient, fender bender victim, pre & post operative patient, and holder of chronic neck/back pain, to name a few, are some that embrace the services of these professionals.

Once the physical therapist evaluates and collects data from you, a treatment plan can be implemented to correct any deficiencies in these areas. In addition, the physical therapist will provide you with a proper home exercise program, improving your functional abilities and confidence. When you reach this crossroads in life, the choice to live a stronger, active life is now and it’s up to you to make that choice.

Here is a simple way that you can test your own functional strength and ability to transfer. Find the lowest seat in your house (it is commonly a soft sofa or the toilet) and try to stand up without using your hands in any capacity. Hold your arms straight out in front of you as you try to stand up. Can you do it? How hard is it to do? Do your knees move towards one another as you stand up? They should not.

This task measures the strength in your legs and back and to a certain degree it measures your balance. The more you have to use your arms to push or pull yourself up, the weaker your legs and back are which will eventually prevent you from being able to stand up from a seated position on your own. Younger persons typically find this very easy but many of the elderly find this very challenging. This is a functional skill that we must all possess in order to maintain our independence.

Just as we rely and care for our cars to get us from point A to B, our bodies moving parts keep us in the game of life. Scheduling a “tune up” for your body with a trusted clinic like Promotion Physical Therapy, who specializes in orthopaedic and manual physical therapy, will get you moving in the right direction to live a pain free, active life. Promotion Physical Therapy accepts most all insurance plans and has extended evening hours to accommodate your busy lifestyle, with Saturday appointments as well. Call to schedule your personal one on one consultation today (210) 479.3334. www.promotionpt-sa.com