Ask the Doctor: Pilates; Hearing Aids; Non-Surgical Hip Pain Relief
Q: Is Pilates a safe form of exercise for a 75-year-old person?
A: Pilates is an exercise program based on the rehabilitative techniques developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. The exercises can be performed either on a mat, using your own body’s resistance, or with specialized equipment.
Pilates focuses on strengthening the core abdominal and back muscles that support the rest of the body, and it can help you improve your flexibility and balance. Because most Pilates techniques are performed on the floor and involve little or no impact, you may find them easier to perform and less of a strain than other exercise programs. But, just as with any new fitness program you’re considering, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure that Pilates is appropriate for you.
Also, start with classes rather than watching a video or television show at home, since a qualified instructor can ensure that you’re performing the moves correctly. Be sure to tell the instructor about any medical conditions you have, such as arthritis or osteoporosis, so that any necessary modifications can be made. Many senior centers offer Pilates classes, and some health clubs and YMCAs have tailored programs to meet the fitness needs of seniors.
Q: I use hearing aids, but I’m experiencing a lot of background noise while wearing them. Is there any way to reduce this?
A: Hearing aids can help you more easily follow conversations and pick up on many of the other sounds you’ve been missing, but because many hearing aids amplify all sounds, they also can increase background noise, making it more difficult for you to hear the sounds you want to hear. Digital hearing aids can reduce some of the background noise, because they fine-tune the sounds based on your type of hearing loss, but they do cost more than the analog varieties. Having a directional microphone also can help, because it picks up sounds closer to you more clearly than background noise.
Another way to help you clarify the sounds you want to hear is to turn off the background noises you can control, such as the radio or television. If you’re having problems with your hearing aid, ask your audiologist if you should consider switching to a different model.
Q: I’m 68 years old and I have a lot of pain in my hip, but I don’t want to have hip replacement surgery. Are there any non-surgical alternatives?
A: A painful hip can interfere with many areas of your life; it can limit your mobility and your ability to exercise, as well as interfering with activities of daily living. Getting pain relief is more than a matter of your comfort level—being in constant pain is linked with a higher incidence of sleep problems and a higher risk of depression, so getting relief from your pain is an important goal for your overall health.
Non-invasive methods for easing hip discomfort include mobility aids like canes and walkers, which can take some of the weight off your hip. A course of physical therapy is helpful for some patients; if you go this route, make sure your therapist is experienced in working with your specific condition. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help reduce your discomfort. However, taking OTC pain relievers on a regular, ongoing basis has been linked with some health risks, so discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor to decide what’s best for you. There are also prescription medications that can ease your pain, but side effects need to be considered.
You said you don’t want to have surgery, but a discussion with an orthopedic surgeon might allay your concerns. Advances in the procedure have reduced the incision size, resulting in fewer risks and a shorter recovery time than ever before—and if you’re in good overall health, it’s likely that the potential long-term benefits far outweigh the risks.
—Dr. Orly Etigin, MD, Editor-in-Chief
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