Case 28｜Age Is Not the Limiting Factor: Returning to Movement With Arthritis

A 63-year-old male presented with difficulty standing from a chair, long-standing joint stiffness, and diagnosed arthritis affecting both his hands and feet. Despite medical advice that he should no longer run, he remained highly active and had recently completed an 11-day walking journey in Tasmania.

Restoring movement confidence at 63 — improved squat depth, mobility, and readiness to return to cycling and long-distance activity despite arthritis.

His goals were ambitious: running, cycling, kayaking, and preparing for a future 3,000-km long-distance trek across New Zealand. He also reported chronic squatting restriction for over 20 years and reduced cervical mobility with crepitus.

During assessment, functional limitations were evident in sit-to-stand transitions, squat depth (stalled at ~90°), hip extension, and cervical rotation. After targeted neuromuscular activation and mobility work, he demonstrated immediate improvements—standing up smoothly, completing a full bridge, achieving deeper squat depth without restriction, and restoring near-normal neck range of motion.

By the end of the session, he reported feeling confident and comfortable enough to cycle the following day with his partner, reaffirming that age and arthritis do not necessarily dictate functional limits when movement capacity is restored appropriately.

Clinical Practice: Heal Young Massage

Evidence-based remedial massage and movement rehabilitation services.