Over the years, I have worked with many people who assumed that getting older automatically meant slowing down, losing strength, or giving up the activities they love. What I have seen in my practice proves the opposite. With the right combination of physical therapy and Pilates, it is entirely possible to age stronger, improving balance, building strength, and moving with more confidence than you might expect.
A Real Story of Aging Stronger
In the video below, you’ll hear from a woman in her seventies who came to me after living with pain for more than four years. Through focused physical therapy and Pilates, I was able to help her resolve that pain. Even more, she is now doing new activities she never even dreamed of doing.
Her success is a clear example of what aging stronger can look like—less pain, more freedom, and the confidence to explore new possibilities at any age.
Watch her journey here:
What I Focus on in Physical Therapy
When patients come to me, they usually want relief from stiffness, pain, or loss of mobility. My job is to look at the way your body is moving, identify the weak spots, and design a program that addresses them directly. I often see:
- Better posture and alignment after targeted therapy
- More flexibility and less joint stiffness
- Increased balance, leading to fewer falls
- Stronger, more coordinated movement in daily life
I do not believe in “one-size-fits-all” programs. I evaluate what your body needs, whether that is rebuilding strength after surgery, managing arthritis, or improving endurance—and give you the tools to meet your goals.
Why I Incorporate Pilates
I also teach Pilates because I have seen firsthand how powerful it is for maintaining mobility and strength. Pilates is low-impact, which makes it safe for aging joints, but it is far from easy—it challenges your core, balance, and flexibility in ways that carry over into daily life.
When I guide a patient through Pilates exercises, I’m not just having them move for the sake of movement. I’m helping them retrain their body to stand taller, move with better control, and support the spine and joints with strong, stable muscles. The results are visible: patients walk with more ease, recover from setbacks faster, and feel steadier in their movements.
How I Combine Therapy and Pilates
In my practice, physical therapy and Pilates go hand in hand. Therapy gives us the medical framework—evaluating movement, reducing pain, and correcting dysfunction. Pilates reinforces those improvements by challenging your body to move with precision and strength.
For example, if therapy helps restore mobility to a stiff shoulder, Pilates ensures the supporting muscles keep that shoulder healthy long term. If we work on balance in therapy, Pilates builds on it with exercises that strengthen your core and legs. The combination is not just about recovery—it’s about creating lasting resilience.
What Aging Stronger Really Means
For me, aging stronger is about more than pain relief. It is about keeping your independence, your confidence, and your ability to do the things you love. I have watched patients return to gardening, traveling, exercising, and playing with their grandchildren because they regained the strength and control they thought they had lost.
And, just like the patient you saw in the video earlier, aging stronger with physical therapy and Pilates is not only about overcoming pain—it can also open the door to new activities you may never have imagined doing. That is what makes this work so rewarding.
My Recommendations for Staying Strong
When patients ask me what they can do at home to support their progress, I usually suggest:
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- Move every day, even if it is just light stretching or walking.
- Pay attention to posture—small changes make a big difference.
- Practice balance regularly to stay steady and prevent falls.
- Do not ignore pain; address it early before it becomes a bigger problem.
- Choose activities you enjoy so exercise becomes part of your lifestyle.
Let Us Work Toward Your Goals
Every patient I see has unique goals, whether it’s walking longer distances, reducing pain, or keeping up with family activities. My role is to help you reach those goals with a plan that fits your body and your life.
If you are ready to move with more strength, balance, and confidence, I’d be glad to work with you. Together, we can create a path forward that helps you not just age gracefully, but age stronger.
Kathleen McDonough, PT, Pilates Instructor
