Annual Screening: Stay Strong, Balanced and Independent
Aging brings many changes to our bodies—some subtle, others more noticeable. Muscle mass starts declining as early as 30 years old, a condition known as sarcopenia (Maximize your mobility, Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center). By 50, joint flexibility in the neck, hips, shoulders, and ankles begins to decrease (Flexibility of Older Adults, PMC). These changes can make everyday tasks like dressing, bending, and reaching more difficult. By the time adults reach 65, balance deficits become more pronounced, increasing the risk of falls (Older Adult Falls Data, CDC). While these changes are a natural part of aging, they are often compounded by busy lifestyles that make regular exercise and movement difficult. The good news? You don’t have to wait until you notice limitations. A proactive approach can make all the difference. Why an Annual Screening Matters
Our annual screenings are designed to identify key factors contributing to physical decline—whether it’s muscle weakness, reduced range of motion, poor posture, or balance deficits. By assessing these areas early, we can recommend targeted exercise programs to help you stay active, independent, and doing the things you love.What our Screening Includes
- Neck Strength & Flexibility: Assessing postural deficits related to neck mobility.
- Joint Range of Motion: Evaluating movement in major joints to detect stiffness and functional limitations.
- Muscle Strength Testing: Measuring strength in isolated muscle groups as well as functional movements like sit-to-stand, squatting, and getting off the floor.
- Balance Screening: A multifactorial evaluation including:
- Subjective questionnaires to identify personal concerns.
- Assessment of vision, foot sensation (somatosensory system), muscle strength, and vestibular function (inner ear balance system) (Association Ankle Function and Balance, PMC).
- Cognitive screening, as brain function plays a crucial role in reaction time, divided attention, and fall prevention.