Work with a Physical Therapist Today to Improve Balance and Eliminate Your Risk for Falling Tomorrow
By working with a physical therapist today to improve balance, you are eliminating your risk for falling tomorrow! Based on information derived from the CDC in the United States, it has been established that more than 1/3 of all adults that are over the age of 65 experiences a fall each year. Out of these individuals, up to 30% that experience a fall will suffer from injuries that are considered to be moderate to severe. Physical therapists possess the knowledge and training to aid in reducing the risk of falling. If you are 65 or older or have a history of falling, it is important that you place a focus on improving your balance. In doing so, you will find that you experience fewer falls. By working with a physical therapist, you may find that you experience no more falls, whatsoever! By taking this step today, you will improve your health for many, many tomorrows!
Common Reasons Falling Occurs
There are many common reasons why a fall may occur. In many instances, these reasons are considered to be exceptionally complex. By working with a physical therapist, you will likely discover the reason why you have experienced a fall in the past and will be provided with exercises that may be performed to prevent a fall from happening in the future. The following outlines many of the most common reasons that you may have fallen or will experience a fall in the future:
- Aging
- Muscle Weakness
- Balance Issues
- Vision Complications
- Medical Conditions
- Depression
- Medications
- Walking Devices
- Environmental Obstructions
- History of Falling
Fall Risk Screening
When you elect to work with a physical therapist to improve balance, the first step that will be taken is a fall risk screening. This test will determine the likelihood that you will suffer from a fall in the future. If you are determined to have this risk, the PT specialist will perform an additional evaluation that looks more closely at you as a person and your health. Your medical history, medications, vision, cognitive abilities, blood pressure, feet and footwear, and any type of nervous-system issue you have may be evaluated. The therapist may also measure your strength, evaluate the way that you walk, and determine how well you balance your body.
The Balance Program
Once the physical therapist has evaluated you, your fall risk, and your medical history, they will work to create an exercise and a training program that will optimize your balance. Examples of the activities that you may take part in include, but are not limited to, single-leg stands, dance steps, walking in a figure “8”, obstacle courses, strength training, aerobic training, education, and even fear management. If you are ready to start a balance program so that you may regain control over your balance and reduce the amount of falls that you experience, you may contact us today for more information. Simply call us at: 303-832-5577