AGING- HOW IT AFFECTS YOUR HEALING

Most people know that as you age, you continually start to heal less quickly. The saying "children are resilient" is an example of this. Children heal at an astronomical rate that significantly differs from an adult in their 20's, and an adult in their 20's heals significantly faster than an adult in their 40's. This can continues all the way up- everyone wishes that they could recover like they did when they are younger, even in little things like a pulled muscle. We have clients often wonder why they cannot recover like they did when they were younger when they are trying to bounce back from an injury, so we decided to do a blog that explains exactly why a man in their 60's can't pull a muscle in their back and do an hour bike ride the next day. It is all because healing changes as you age, and there are three main reasons why this happens to everyone.

1. Cell Replication Slows
Cell replication is vital to the process of healing in the body. When an area is injured or wounded, the body replicates cells to either to close the wound or to strengthen the area and fix the injury. According to Science Daily, once a cell divides a specific amount of times, the cell then changes it's shape, slows it pace down, and will eventually stop dividing. The more you age, the more cells will slow or stop dividing, which causes a significant slowing in the replication process. With your body no longer replicating the way it used to, processes like healing are also decreased significantly. 

2. Elasticity of Tissues Decreases
Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly why the elasticity of our tissues decreases as we age. There are many theories and speculations regarding this. According to the author Kannus, some scientists believe that it is related to a decrease in collagen within the body, which is essential to the make-up of tissues. Others believe that it is related to the decrease in cell replication. Another theory is that the lack of water within the body is connected to the decrease in elasticity of tissues. As they continue to try and pinpoint the exact reasons that this happens, one thing is certain- elasticity of tissues decreasing is paramount in why individuals heal slower as they age. 

3. Losing flexibility
Most people know that they can't do the cartwheels and splits that they used to do with ease, but that is very common. Less than ten percent of Americans participate in exercise on a regular basis, according to Ortho Info. This adds to the decrease in flexibility as you age. The lower the flexibility, the more likely you are to injure yourself, so not only does low flexibility cause more injuries, it also makes it harder to recover from injuries. One of the best ways you can help reduce the aging process is by participating in regular exercise and/or stretching. Some great options are yoga, walking, and pilates. By getting active, your body will thank you, and you will be able to recover quicker as you continue to age.

The two most important things to remember if you feel that you are not healing quickly enough is that you cannot put a timeline on your body and that it is normal. No matter how fast we would all like to heal from injuries, it is up to our bodies, so just take it slow!

Contact us at: 619-917-4675 OR  massagelamesa@gmail.com 

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