Presentation
A 63-year-old man presented with difficulty standing up from a chair, long-standing joint stiffness, and diagnosed arthritis affecting both his hands and feet. He had previously been advised to stop running, but he remained highly active and had recently completed an 11-day walking journey in Tasmania.
His goals were ambitious: cycling, kayaking, a possible return to running, and preparing for a future 3,000-km trek across New Zealand. He also reported a squatting restriction for over 20 years, and reduced neck mobility with crepitus (a grinding or clicking sensation).
Assessment
Movement assessment showed limitations in standing up from a chair, squat depth (stopping at around 90°), hip extension and neck rotation.
Approach
The session used neuromuscular activation and mobility work targeted to the movements he found difficult.
What was observed and reported
Within the session, he stood up from the chair more smoothly, completed a full bridge, reached a deeper squat, and showed greater neck rotation. By the end, he said he felt comfortable enough to go cycling with his partner the next day.
Reflection
Age and an arthritis diagnosis are important context, but they don’t tell you on their own what a person can or can’t do. This case is a reminder to assess how someone actually moves, and to build from their goals. These were changes observed within a single session, and they say nothing about the arthritis itself. Arthritis needs ongoing medical management, and decisions about higher-impact activities such as running should be made with a GP or specialist.
Related case reflections
- Case 27: Movement After Bilateral Knee Replacements
- Case 34: High Flexibility, Low Stability
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