When his mother experienced injuries from a fall, Active Rx Managing Director Mark Willis said he decided to dedicate his career to helping senior adults build strength and balance.

“I realized I wanted to be in a business that was senior-related,” he said.

According to the National Council on Aging, every 13 seconds an elderly adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall-related injury. Some falls and their related injuries can be avoided by finding an exercise program that improves balance, strength and flexibility, Mark said.

Mark and Anella Willis opened the Plano franchise of a fitness and physical therapy center called Active Rx in July 2014. The company also has a location in McKinney.

“I wanted to have fun while doing my job,” Mark said. “Seeing people get stronger and better every day is a lot of fun.”

When people come to Active Rx, the first step is completing the ActivEval, a physical test to evaluate one’s strengths and weaknesses before enrolling in physical or strength therapy sessions.

Active Rx member Connie Young takes part in group activities, which encourages support.[/caption]

Two licensed physical therapists and a physical therapist assistant help patients manage pain, recover from and prevent injuries, and prepare for and prevent certain types of surgery. Patients come in at the recommendation of their doctors, Mark said.

A strength therapist designs individual and group exercise programs for enrollees. Typically, those who undergo physical therapy later enroll in strength therapy to remain active, Mark said.

“When we started looking at demographics, there seemed to be a large senior population here in Plano,” he said.

Prior to Active Rx, McKinney Managing Director Mark Phillips was designing medical devices for orthopedic patients. Now he helps senior adults prevent falls, which could lead to long-term injuries. Phillips said Active Rx offers physical therapy and a workout plan for senior adults.

“[Our members] feel better; they are less scared to try new things [because of the workouts],” Phillips said. “That’s what living is all about.”

Connie Young was in physical therapy for nine months before she enrolled in strength therapy classes. Her personal trainer modifies Young’s exercise moves to accomodate for her broken kneecap.

“We have a good time because it makes me feel good. I see my friends, and I feel good,” Young said.

As they have gotten older, Active Rx regulars Pat and Harry Aston have realized the importance of exercise. Pat tried going to gyms after her physical therapy but felt intimidated. She said she is at ease at Active Rx because others there are at a similar stage in life where they want to remain active and strong.

“Here, I have a personal trainer, so I know what I am doing,” she said. “If I went to the gym I would not know if I am doing anything wrong.”

Located near Medical Center of Plano, Active Rx is convenient for patients who visit doctors or attend various other therapy sessions at the hospital. Active Rx opened in Plano in July 2014.[/caption]