Be Empowered Beyond a Diagnosis

We’re excited to announce the latest episode of Lexington, Kentucky’s StrongerLife's Fitness for 55+ podcast, #23: Your Diagnosis Doesn't Define You! In this episode, Dr. Dustin Jones and Dr. Jeff Musgrave, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, explore a powerful message that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever received a diagnosis that felt limiting or overwhelming. And if you're an older adult, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

You might be living with conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, or other age-related diagnoses, but does that mean your life has to stop? Absolutely not! Dr. Jones and Dr. Musgrave break down how those labels may not be the life sentence you’ve been led to believe. They focus on the hope and empowerment that come from understanding your body, and most importantly, moving it.

Why This Episode is for You

Have you ever had a diagnosis that made you question what’s possible for your body? Maybe you’ve been told you have osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, or even something like a torn rotator cuff. These diagnoses can feel heavy and sometimes scary. We get it. But here’s the truth: they don’t have to define your life.

In this episode, Dustin and Jeff explain why diagnoses are often misunderstood or given too much power. A label doesn’t have to dictate what you can or cannot do. Instead, they invite you to consider a more hopeful perspective—one backed by science and real-life success stories from the StrongerLife community. As Dustin and Jeff share, many members of StrongerLife have similar diagnoses but are thriving—lifting weights, improving mobility, and living fuller lives than they thought possible.

4 Empowering Truths from StrongerLife's Your Diagnosis Doesn’t Define You

1. A Diagnosis Isn’t Your Story—It’s Just a Chapter

Many of us have been in situations where we’ve heard medical terms like bone-on-bone, rotator cuff tear, or osteoarthritis. These diagnoses can feel overwhelming, especially when healthcare providers only give you limited time and information. As Dustin and Jeff explain, the healthcare system often focuses on diagnosing the problem based on images like X-rays or MRIs, but these images don’t tell the whole story.

For instance, many seniors have some form of arthritis or a rotator cuff tear without experiencing any pain. So, when your doctor shows you that X-ray and points out “degenerative changes,” don’t panic. The image might show age-related changes that don’t have to impact your daily life.

2. Strength and Movement Can Be the Best Medicine

One of the biggest myths that Dustin and Jeff bust in this episode is the idea that surgery or rest is the only solution to age-related pain or discomfort. They argue quite the opposite: movement and strength training can often reduce pain and improve function without invasive treatments.

Here at StrongerLife in Lexington, KY, we’ve seen hundreds of seniors thrive by focusing on strength training. Members come to us with diagnoses like osteoporosis, arthritis, or joint replacements, and they leave stronger, more confident, and more empowered to live life fully.

Jeff explains how patients who commit to a tailored exercise program often see their symptoms improve—without changing their anatomy. It’s about building strength, improving mobility, and giving your body the tools to thrive.

3. Wrinkles on the Inside Are Normal

Just like we develop wrinkles on our skin as we age, the inside of our bodies changes too. You might have heard terms like "degenerative disease" or "joint tears" and thought that meant something was wrong. But, as Dustin and Jeff share, many of these so-called abnormalities are just part of the aging process. They’re normal!

For example, 70% of people over the age of 70 have some form of rotator cuff tear—most without any pain. This doesn’t mean you need surgery or your active life is over. Most of these age-related changes are just your body showing that you’ve lived an active life. So, if you’ve been told that you have "arthritis" or "disc degeneration," take heart—it doesn’t automatically mean pain or limited movement.

4. Your Body is Resilient

One of the most empowering messages from this podcast is that your body is resilient. Even if you’ve been told that you have conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, it doesn’t mean you’re fragile. With the right kind of movement and care, you can strengthen your muscles, improve your balance, and enjoy a full life.

At StrongerLife, we see this every day. We work with seniors who have all kinds of diagnoses—diabetes, Parkinson’s, joint replacements—and they’re lifting weights, moving freely, and doing things they never thought possible. You can too.

Real-Life Success Stories at StrongerLife

One of the most inspiring parts of the podcast is when Dustin and Jeff talk about the success stories of StrongerLife members. They’ve worked with individuals who came in with long lists of diagnoses and left stronger than ever.

From knee replacements to osteoporosis, our age 55 plus members have proven time and time again that movement is medicine. In one of our previous posts, we highlighted StrongerLife members lifting weights while sharing their diagnosis—Parkinson’s, diabetes, or arthritis—showing that these conditions don’t limit them. It’s not about denying the diagnosis; it’s about showing what you can do despite it.

Joining StrongerLife Means Joining a Supportive Community

One of the unique things about StrongerLife is the sense of community. You’re not just another person with a diagnosis. You’re part of a group that believes in your potential. Our members support each other, share their stories, and celebrate their victories.

In the podcast, Dustin shares a story about a new member who, after receiving a diagnosis of osteoporosis, was worried about lifting weights. Two other members, both with osteoporosis, encouraged them, saying, “You’re in the right spot.” This is the beauty of the StrongerLife community—members lifting each other up, proving that age and diagnoses don’t have to limit what’s possible.

Want to Learn More?

If this message resonates with you, we invite you to listen to the full episode of our podcast, #23: Your Diagnosis Doesn't Define You, and see how you can challenge the limits that diagnoses may have placed on your life.

And if you’re ready to take the next step, join our StrongerLife community in Lexington, KY, where we help seniors like you live stronger, fuller lives, no matter the diagnosis.

If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences, feel free to drop a comment in the Fitness for 55+ Facebook group, where we’re always discussing topics like post-menopause, cholesterol, and more.