Overcoming Back Pain at 80: How Physical Therapy Empowered Michael to Reclaim an Active Life
Each month, Iron Physical Therapy highlights a special patient to tell their inspiring story. We want to honor the people who go all in - body, mind and spirit. They show us what’s possible - that you can move on from a setback to do amazing things...to challenge your body, to chase your dreams, to address pain in a healthy way to #getbetterbebetter.
Read Michael’s story below and then click here to read more inspiring patient stories.
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Oh what a character…Meet Michael, our patient of the month! Michael began his journey at Iron as a skeptical newcomer, but boy has he progressed. Michael is the epitome of a deep thinker, someone who questions the norm, someone who makes others around him think…and laugh!
Michael came in with a goal that we all have - to reduce pain! What he gained, through his hard work and open-minded nature, was the ability to perform tasks he has not done in years. If this sounds familiar to you, keep reading to see how he was able to accomplish his goals!
-Dr. Jeremy Nardiello PT, DPT, CSCS
In Michael’s Own Words…
Why do you lead an active life?
I like to fix things around the house which involves bending, lifting, standing and working on my knees – sometimes in cramped locations. This keeps me busy and active which is important so your muscles don’t tighten up as you age and lose strength and flexibility.
What Brought You Into Physical Therapy?
Back pain, and I found it increasingly difficult to just move around.
What advice do you have for others who are in pain?
Find out the source of your pain and get physical therapy at Iron to alleviate it.
How would you describe PT to your family and friends?
PT at Iron motivates you to fix and strengthen your body. PT is hard-work but it is also fun and rewarding.
What has been you biggest motivation to #getbetterbebetter?
Now that I’m pushing 80 I realize my body won’t allow me to do the same things I used to do when I was 25 years younger, but I’m still capable of a lot. The overall increase in blood flow and activity from PT even helped me withstand cold while shoveling snow and ice.
What were 3 things you did in PT that helped you the most?
Carrying 20 pound weights in each hand for longer and longer distances.
Lifting a 20 pound weight to strengthen my abs.
Doing leg and torso lifts to strengthen my core.
What have you learning in PT that you didn’t know before?
I didn’t know that an increase in age did not mean that you have to accept a decline in activity.
I will now follow a regular exercise plan to hold onto my new capabilities and make them even stronger.
What are you most excited to get back to doing after physical therapy?
Lifting 50 pound pails of paint and walking up and down stairs comfortably.