John Hinson M.D. of Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute Speaks on September’s Healthy Aging Month

In honor of September being Healthy Aging Month, John Hinson, M.D. voices the importance of maintaining health and wellness as we age, including bone health and mobility.

For the aging athlete, a home exercise program can play a key role in decreasing the frequency of chronic injuries. Regular shoulder stretching and strengthening exercises can help prevent these injuries from developing. Dr. Hinson advises that performing these home exercises routinely is an integral part of keeping the aging athlete participating in the sports they enjoy.

A safety-first, common-sense approach can help prevent both lower and upper extremity injuries.

Falls that may cause acute injuries can be avoided by playing a sport on a clean and dry surface and by being aware of surroundings for possible hazards. Secondly, there may be specific tools, such as appropriate braces or pads, to help prevent upper extremity injuries. Dr. Hinson encourages patients who are experiencing chronic pain to seek treatment for these conditions.

Dr. Hinson advises that rotator cuff tears are the most common shoulder injury encountered by an aging athlete. Patients will often relate an onset of symptoms without a specific event occurring. The patient will experience pain while playing that is often sharp with swinging a club or paddle causing a limit in the ability to play. The pain will often occur after engaging in the sport and patients will frequently complain of pain at night.

Dr. Hinson emphasizes that treatment for most patients begins with conservative measures that can include anti-inflammatory medication, ice and heat, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injection (cortisone shot). Sometimes a modification in activity, such as decreasing frequency or taking a break from sport is needed for a period of time.

John Hinson M.D. and the Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute emphasize the importance of recognizing the physical signs of aging, prevention of an athletic injury through exercises and common sense, the awareness of chronic shoulder injuries including how to cope with them, and the need to seek treatment when necessary.

Photo byPalm Beach Orthopaedic Institute

To learn more about John Hinson, M.D. and the Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute, please visit

https://www.pboi.com/