Balance Rehabilitation / Fall Prevention
Falls are extremely common, especially in Americans age 65 years and older. Even though falls are common in this age group, they are preventable and do not have to be an inevitable part of aging.
Every second of the day, an older adult suffers a fall in the United States, making falls the leading cause of injury in this age category. Out of the roughly 25% of older adults who fall every year only about half of them take the time to report it to a doctor.
While many falls do not cause serious injuries, failing to report a fall to your doctor can lead to many of the following injuries going untreated:
- Sprains
- Broken Bones/Hip Fractures
- Head Injuries
- Decreased Activity, which in itself does not sound debilitating however when a person becomes less active, they become weaker increasing their chances of falling again in the future.
Common Conditions That Make You More Likely To Fall:
- Lower Body Weakness
- Vitamin D Deficiency
- Difficulties with Walking and Balance
- Use of Medications, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance.
- Vision Problems
- Low Blood Pressure
- Feet and Footwear Issues
Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling. Falls can happen anywhere however they most often occur in the bathroom when sitting or standing from the toilet or shower, or at night when getting up too quickly.
While it is impossible to completely prevent falls from occurring, working with a physical therapist on balance and strength training exercises can significantly reduce the risk of falling. Our therapists will work with you to evaluate the cause and severity of your balance issues. They will then put together a comprehensive treatment plan that combines strength and balance exercises designed to make your lower body stronger all while improving your over all balance.
We will educate you on your condition and instruct you on exercises you can complete at home. Typical treatments for balance rehabilitation are weekly and often patients will start to see dramatic improvements within weeks*.
* Individual results may vary.
