Independent Rehab Therapists Advise Baby Boomers on How to Stay Active and Avoid Injuries


(Calabasas, Calif. – March 29, 2007) – PTPN, the country’s first and largest network of independent rehabilitation therapists in private practice, says its providers are seeing more cases of “boomeritis,” the phenomenon of baby boomers becoming injured while exercising and playing sports at a level often too intense for their aging bodies.

“Baby boomers are more focused on fitness, wellness and sports activities than the previous generation was, and they’re determined to fight aging no matter what the cost,” said Michael Weinper, PT, MPH, President and CEO of PTPN, Inc., and a baby boomer himself. “Unfortunately, by overdoing it, they’re ending up with back, knee, elbow and other injuries that may require surgery.”

The first surge of America’s 78 million baby boomers — those born between 1946 to 1964 — are turning 60 this year, and their zealous exercise regimens have contributed to sports injuries as the No. 2 reason for visits to a doctor’s office, according to a 2003 survey by National Ambulatory Medical Care. Infirmities associated with the activities of middle-aged adults were the source of 488 million days of restricted work in 2002, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics study.

While exercise has been widely touted as beneficial in helping to prevent such diseases as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, there are ways baby boomers can stay active without becoming injured. One way is to use the services of physical therapists. PTPN providers have the specialized training necessary to assess problems, adapt exercise movements to an individual’s needs, and promote strength, endurance and flexibility. To help fight aging and avoid injuries, PTPN providers offer the following suggestions to baby boomers:

• Get screened by a physician before you begin any exercise program.
• Exercise at a pace appropriate for your age. Moderate your activities. Know that you have limitations. You may only be able to get your heart rate up so high; you may have joints that are not as flexible, or you may have arthritis.
• Seek the advice of physical therapists to work on your flexibility, strength, endurance and posture. You need to know what posture to have while sitting at a computer and how to set your computer station ergonomically to reduce the risk of neck, shoulder and hand injuries.

• Wear shoes and do exercises that can improve balance and prevent falls. Make a point of working on balance at the gym because so many injuries are the result of falls. Physical therapy can be helpful in enhancing balance and fall prevention.
• Stretch on a daily basis. Try to incorporate gentle stretches for your neck, back, arms and legs. Hold each stretch 15-30 seconds and do 3 repetitions each.
• Perform gradual strengthening exercises. Begin with light weights, 10 repetitions with 2-3 sets, and gradually increase the resistance.
• Eat well-balanced meals with protein at each meal, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Drink eight glasses of water daily.
• Immobilization following injury, hospitalization, or even sustained sitting positions at work can accelerate the degeneration of muscles, joints and bone. A physical therapist can help you regain mobility and improve quality of movement.
• Remember that it is never too late to start exercising. Research has shown that exercise is beneficial for seniors in creating new muscle capability, combating depression and dementia, and stimulating the immune response. Such low-impact activities as Pilates, yoga, and Tai Chi, as well as specialized classes like “Fit after Fifty” and “Hinges and Twinges,” help relieve joint stiffness and swelling and offer opportunities to socialize and meet new friends.
• Exercise mentally, not just physically, by doing crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, scrabble and other mind games.