Tips for Managing Recurring Musculoskeletal Pain in Aging Athletes

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The world of sports is changing. A new generation of athletes is staying active longer, with many now competing well into their 70s. That is inspiring, no doubt, but it also comes with unique challenges.

One of them is the rise of recurring injuries that don’t heal quite as cleanly as they once did. Orthopedic surgeons even have a term for this trend in older athletes: Boomeritis. These include muscle and ligament tears, stress fractures, and tendon issues.

Physiological changes that accompany aging, such as loss of muscle mass and bone density, make it difficult for the body to handle high-impact stress.

The traditional model of ‘rest and medicate’ doesn’t work here. Inactivity itself is a primary cause of functional decline. It actively increases the production of chemicals hostile to neurons.

So, how can you help aging athletes stay active while managing the inevitable aches and pains that come with years of training and competition? Here are a few tips:

#1 Emphasize Activity Modification, Not Cessation

The worst thing you can tell a lifelong athlete is to just stop running or avoid playing tennis altogether.

These people define themselves through movement. Asking them to quit all types of activities altogether often leads to depression and weight gain. Ironically, complete cessation is counterproductive. It can lead to more pain, as tissues quickly become deconditioned and lose their capacity to handle physical stress.

Don’t expect them to pull the plug completely; rather, recommend modifying their activities. Advise them to temporarily cease pain-causing activities. This approach promotes healing and gives the body a chance to respond to rehabilitation efforts.

Cross-training becomes especially important here. Many aging athletes spend decades doing the same repetitive motions. Introducing variety not only reduces overuse injuries but often reignites their passion for movement

You can, for instance, advise a 65-year-old marathon runner dealing with knee pain to incorporate pool running instead of regular runs. Likewise, a weightlifter with shoulder pain can adjust by avoiding overhead movements and focusing on lower-body training until symptoms improve.

#2 Don’t Overlook Nutrition

Nutritional support is often underestimated in musculoskeletal health. But it plays a major role, especially in older athletes.

The nutritional needs of aging athletes differ from those of younger athletes. Older adults, especially those who are active, require a higher protein intake to prevent muscle loss and support muscle protein synthesis.

Aging athletes also require more calcium and vitamin D for bone health, and anti-inflammatory foods like those rich in omega-3 fatty acids to aid tissue repair.

A family nurse practitioner (FNP) can be of great help here. According to Carson-Newman University, FNPs focus on patient education, which encompasses understanding the patient’s unique needs and providing care that is individually tailored to them.

So, instead of generic advice, they can create individualized, evidence-based nutrition plans for your clients. They can guide them on spreading protein across meals and choosing leucine-rich sources for muscle building.

Working with FNPs makes sense because they complete a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on family practice. This advanced training prepares them to care for patients across the lifespan, including aging athletes.

Nowadays, many complete FNP nursing programs online. That is because it allows them to balance work, study, and family. Though they earn their degree online, they graduate with the same clinical expertise needed to provide practical guidance as their on-campus counterparts.

#3 Manage Pain Without Over-Reliance on Medications

Don’t make medications the first or only tool in the box when it comes to managing chronic, recurring pain in athletes. For severe pain, opioids are often the go-to. There is a risk of overdose, however.

Colby Wartman’s story illustrates this concern. After a high school wrestling injury, he was prescribed opioids for pain. What began as treatment turned into dependence. This serves as a reminder of why we need better strategies.

Combine manual therapy to release tight tissues, heat or cold therapy to reduce discomfort, and therapeutic exercises to rebuild strength and function. For severe cases, consider advanced, non-drug options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or shockwave therapy. These promote healing rather than just masking symptoms.

You could also advise on alternative pain strategies, such as using TENS units or acupuncture. Athletes respond well to those. Dry needling is also popular among sports athletes. Research published in the journal PMC suggests that dry needling has a beneficial effect on pain reduction, particularly for athletes who are in the recovery phase.

Empowering Athletes for a Lifetime of Activity

The aging athlete is a dedicated patient who wants to keep moving. Don’t advise them to stop all activity. Rather, adopt a holistic approach that moves beyond just treating symptoms.

Follow these tips and you can help them continue training safely and pursuing their passions. Rest assured that they will enjoy what they love without pain. That’s the goal, after all, isn’t it?