Our fall prevention exercises and treatments will help you regain your confidence and balance so you can live worry-free.
Do you frequently notice an imbalance, dizziness, or unsteadiness that makes you feel as if you may fall at any given time? Have you suffered from a fall in the past? Are you worried that you may be at risk of falling?
Through our fall prevention exercises and techniques, our team will address your concerns and help you regain confidence! In older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries. Most people do not think about working on their balance until it is too late. However, you can easily prevent most falls with guidance from a physical therapist.
Falls are a significant concern for seniors. Even without an injury, a fall can cause a loss of confidence and reduce a person’s ability to carry on with daily activities. If you (or someone you know) have recently sustained a balance-related injury, it is important to seek the help of a physical therapist.
Our team will give you the tools to recover from a recent fall and fall prevention techniques to avoid additional injuries in the future. Contact a location near you today to request an appointment, and let us help you get stronger and more confident so you can do the things you enjoy.
FALL PREVENTION FOR THOSE AT HIGH RISK
Some people have a higher risk of falling than others, and a combination of factors causes most falls. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling.
The most common risk factors include:
Advanced age
Dizziness or vertigo (“spinning” sensations, even when remaining still)
Vision problems
Impaired balance and gait control (age-related or due to illness)
Muscle weakness and reduced physical fitness (due to a sedentary lifestyle)
Neurological disorders (i.e., Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s)
Cardiovascular disease (i.e., heart attack, stroke, PAD)
Cognitive impairments
Depression
Acute and chronic illnesses
Previous history of falls
Your physical therapist will assess your medical history to determine how many risk factors toward falling you may have. They will educate you on what these factors mean, as well as steps you can take towards fall prevention.
Our physical therapists will perform a thorough physical evaluation to figure out the best treatment plan for you.
We will start with an injury evaluation, mobility, strength, and balance assessment to identify all the factors contributing to the injury. This will consist of a thorough history review to understand more about the demands on the body, how many risk factors you may have, and your overall health status.
In addition, we will include a review of your fall history and fear of falling, as well as identifying any home hazards/environmental factors that may contribute to your fall risk. We will use this information to develop a comprehensive program that includes targeted manual techniques, mobility work, strengthening, fall prevention strategies, and any appropriate balance and gait techniques for the individual.
what to expect in physical therapy
The good news is that you can prevent most falls. The key is to get guidance from your therapist, who will teach you the correct exercises to improve your balance. Our recommendations aim to reduce your risk of falling, but they will also aid you in improving coordination, strength, flexibility, and overall movement.
COMMON ASPECTS OF TREATMENT
Your physical therapist will work with you on relieving pain first before continuing any other forms of physical activity.
Balance is a large part of fall prevention, as lack of stability is one of the main reasons falls occur. Your physical therapist will design a balance training plan for you as part of your treatment.
Our team will design a strength training plan for you, which will focus on specific muscle groups in need of improvement.
Your therapist will incorporate treatments with safe and effective progressions to assist you in a safe return to daily activities. Every good therapy program will include injury prevention strategies that ensure you stay doing what you love!
contact a clinic near you
Exercise is one of the most effective treatment methods for patients with an increased risk of falling. Our team will help guide you through the steps you need to regain your confidence and reclaim your life. Schedule a complimentary screening and start treatment with one of our fall prevention experts today!
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