The Older Athlete
With so many “Baby Boomers” entering their 60’s and staying active, older adults are more frequently experiencing sports injuries than their younger counterparts.
All Treatments
Treatment Areas
Vertigo
GENERAL INFORMATION
The most common type of vertigo is called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and is appreciated by a feeling that your world is spinning or moving. It occurs with sudden head motions, usually rolling in bed or change in position. Other forms of vertigo can be associated with horizontal motions. The anatomy of the inner ear and the specific areas affected will impact the type of vertigo and associated head eye movements that can precipitate and cause the attack.
SYMPTOMS OF VERTIGO
- Symptoms are associated with the anatomical area affected
- Abnormal eye movements
- Appreciation of the room spinning
- Duration minutes to hours, days to weeks
- Constant or associated with certain head movements
- Hearing loss or tinnitus
- Visual disturbances, nystagmus
REHABILITATION
- Assessment of the balance system: sensorimotor, visual, and vestibular
- Specific eye exercises
- Specific head motions
- Sensory integration
- Maneuvers specific to vertigo etiology
- Home exercise program
The Older Athlete
GENERAL INFORMATION
With so many “Baby Boomers” entering their 60’s and staying active, older adults are more frequently experiencing sports injuries than their younger counterparts. Although exercise has a positive effect on aging, the older athlete may be more prone to injuries.
CHANGES THAT OCCUR WITH AGING
- Decreased lean muscle mass
- Decreased elasticity in tendons and ligaments
- Decreased reaction time and balance
- Decreased cardiovascular fitness
- Osteoporosis
Chronic and overuse injuries are common in older athletes. Injuries and sources of pain include tendonitis, rotator cuff injuries, low back pain, arthritis, knee injuries, bursitis and stress fractures.
REHABILITATION
We can help to prevent injury by promoting flexibility, increasing strength to decrease impact on your joints and maintaining cardiovascular fitness. Patient instruction is performed to ensure you are performing adequate warm-ups, taking proper rest and recovery time and varying your activities. Whether you are a former athlete suffering from tendonitis and repetitive trauma or have been consistently playing sports and exercising for years, Advantage Physical Therapy can help you improve your activity level and prevent injuries.
