“Oh I will just start on Monday.”
“I’ll begin after I finish this kids event.”
“I should get that checked out, but I will do it later.”
And yet, nothing ever happens.
How many times have you said these or similar phrases to yourself? Often we go through life, suppressing how our bodies really feel because we feel other things greatly outweigh the importance such as looking after kids or completing that big project at work. Then as you continue to ignore it you start having those aches that become more constant where even popping a few panadols doesn’t help.
You might catch yourself thinking, “I never felt this way as a child,” or “Maybe it’s just because I’m getting older.” You feel like you’re not at your 100% capacity and what you can be and yet, you’re feeling a bit lost when it comes to how to start prioritizing yourself. Overwhelm takes hold, and the feeling that there’s simply no time for your health becomes all-consuming.
So why do aches and pains seem to increase as we age?
When we were kids, many of us enjoyed a variety of activities—swimming, team sports, playing in the park with friends. But as we grow older, that all tends to fade as priorities shift to work, responsibilities, and other obligations
More of everything else, but less time for you and significantly less movement
With age, responsibilities pile up. We often see these as more deserving of our attention than our physical well-being. Minor pains or lingering injuries—things we’ve meant to address but haven’t—can spiral into bigger issues. Maybe you paused playing netball because of your knees, but haven’t actually gotten back into it since life got in the way.
This is the crucial time when staying active and prioritizing yourself becomes essential.
It’s vital for longevity and overall quality of life. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and experience some degeneration in our bodies—leading to that stiff, creaky feeling when we get out of bed.
So you might ask the question: Where do we start?
1.Address the niggles
Begin by taking care of those nagging pains or injuries. Maybe it’s persistent headaches, neck discomfort, or knee pain. Often, these can be resolved with physiotherapy—just a few adjustments in your work setup or a handful of targeted exercises over a few weeks.
2. Consider your ideal routine
Once the small issues are managed, we can develop a tailored plan that fits your lifestyle and helps you reach your goals—whether that’s returning to the gym, establishing a regular exercise routine, or simply feeling more energetic.
3. Start small
Success begins with manageable steps. For example, commit to a gentle walk three times a week. Gradually increase the duration or intensity as you feel more comfortable.
4. Reach out for guidance
If you’re feeling out of sync with your body, experiencing pain, or unsure how to reinitiate movement, physiotherapy can help. It’s often the first step to rebuilding strength, easing discomfort, and boosting confidence.
Remember small steps make big differences in life, starting even with just a gentle walk a few times a week is enough to begin your comeback.
Natalie Prout
Physiotherapist