Balance and Falls – Northern Physical Therapy Clinics
Do you worry that your elderly parent is at risk for taking a fall? Or perhaps you have taken a tumble in the past. The risk of falling can be very serious, as falls can diminish your ability to lead an active and independent life. Whether you are the one at risk, or you have a loved one with the potential to fall, physical therapy can be a safe method of alleviating your chances of falling. About one third of people over the age of 65 and almost half of people over the age of 80 will fall at least once this year.
Physical therapists can help you reduce your risk of falling by:
– Taking more than 4 medications at the same time
– Taking psychoactive medications (such as sedatives or antidepressants)
If you are worried about falling or if you recently had a fall, we can conduct a brief check (“screening”) of your fall risk. If the screening shows that you are at risk, the therapist will perform a thorough evaluation, including:
– Measure your leg strength, using simple tests such as timing how long it takes you to rise from a chair
When people walk very slowly or are unsteady, they are at risk of falling. Your physical therapist can improve your walking ability by having you do such activities as dance steps, walking in circles, “figure 8” exercises to strengthen the core abdominal muscles that help stabilize your body, and perform on an obstacle course.
We will take the time to explain to you how to best manage your own risks for falling. Your therapist also may talk to you about the best activities for you to do to maintain your quality of life.
It will be important for you to talk with your physical therapist about any fear of falling that you have. Your therapist will work with you to determine whether there are activities you should avoid. Your therapist will also work with you to determine whether your fear may be unfounded and whether there are activities that you should be doing to keep strong and help your balance.
If you would like more information on how physical therapy can help you or a loved one with balance and falls, contact our clinic at 616.997.6172 and one of our therapists would be happy to discuss your condition with you. You may also attend our annual Women’s Health Open House, being held May 16, 2013 at our Sparta clinic. Register and get more details at www.northernpts.com/rsvp.