Falling is one of the biggest concerns for many people, especially those who have an illness or injury that makes them susceptible to complications. It is not possible to prevent all falls, but providing your body with some helpful skills and structural integrity can help to minimize the negative impacts you have. In fact, the use of physical therapy can actually reduce the number of falls you suffer.
Factors That Increase Fall Risk
Some people are at a higher risk of falling. Older adults, for example, are more likely to trip and fall, putting them at a much higher risk for injuries. Some of the most common factors that increase fall risks include:
- Balance and walking problems, including those that are brought on by changes in vision or altered sensation with the feet, such as neuropathy.
- Hazards in the home, such as tripping on carpeting or clutter.
- Use of medications, especially more than one, that can cause an increased risk of dizziness.
- Low blood pressure risks, such as those who have orthostatic hypotension when they stand.
- Difficulty with mobility and core strength due to muscle breakdown or limitations on mobility.
Fall Prevention – Physical Therapy Solutions
When a patient comes in for help, we can create a tailored therapy plan to address the specific concerns they have. Physical therapy is often one of the best tools to help you to avoid falling. It can help you with:
- Education: By providing you with strategies to minimize falls, such as improving the way you move, it may be possible to reduce the risk of falls. Education about strategies to improve stability can also help.
- Fear management: Physical therapy can help many people build confidence, which in itself can reduce the risk of falling.
- Reduce costs: Physical therapy can help to reduce the cost of having to manage injuries and illnesses.
Exercises That Can Help Reduce Risk
Our patients are always given individualized attention to ensure they get the level and type of care they need. For some, the following exercises can be helpful in fall prevention physical therapy.
Stand and Sit Exercise
Improving a person’s ability to stand and sit and working on doing so to build core strength can significantly reduce the risk of falling. A sit to stand exercise teaches the body how to do this safely, and it also works to build up those muscles.
Balance Training
A balancing training exercise requires a person to stand at a counter with feet together and then move in various ways to learn to balance, such as picking up one foot, holding it, and then setting it down.
Strength Training
In addition to this, some people benefit from physical therapy that works to provide strength training, such as the use of light weights. For those with complicated health conditions, like Parkinson’s Disease, this type of treatment can help build strength overall.
Let Our Team Offer the Help You Need
At Rock Valley Physical Therapy, we can offer individualized treatment steps to give you the confidence you need to embrace life while working to reduce your risk of falling. Learn more about what we do and how it can help you when you contact our team.