BALANCE AND FALLS PREVENTION
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 30 percent of adults 65 or older have a fall, and 3 million are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
What are some fall risks?
Some factors associated with the greatest risk of falls are:
- Balance and/or walking problems
- Balance can be affected by vision changes, vestibular problems and altered sensation in the feet
- The use of multiple medications
- Studies indicate that when individuals take five or more medicines, the risk of falls increases
- Hazards around the home
- Dim lights, rugs
- Alterations in blood pressure upon changing positions
- Feet and footwear issues
Falls often occur in the bathroom when sitting or standing from the toilet or shower, or at night in a dark bedroom when getting up quickly and tripping on the way to the bathroom.
How will Abide Physical Therapy help?
Specific functional testing to determine lower extremity strength, quality and timing of walking will be assessed. Based on your individualized evaluation results, a program will be designed to improve your balance and strength.
Strength training is the foundation of preventing falls. In order to decrease the risk of falls, an incorporation of power output is necessary.
Balance training is the second most important and effective part of falls prevention. Your tailored program will be designed in such a way to challenge your ability to maintain efficient balance.
