Balance Training
Falls and a fear of falling can diminish your ability to lead a full and independent life. Although 1 in every 4 older adults falls each year, falling is not a part of normal aging. You have the power to reduce your risk of falls.
We can help you do so by:
- Assessing your risk for falling.
- Designing an individualized plan for your fall-prevention needs.
- Helping you make your home as safe as possible.
- Educating you about the medical risk factors associated with falls
- Providing you with appropriate exercises and balance training
- Working with other health care professionals to address any underlying medical conditions that could increase your fall risk
- Providing you with recommendations on appropriate community programs
THE RISK FACTORS:
The more risk factors you have, the greater your risk of falling. If you or someone you know has any of these risk factors, physical therapy can help them feel more safe and secure.
- History of a previous fall
- Leg weakness
- Having a sedentary lifestyle
- Being in overall poor health
- Recent hospitalization
- Advanced age
- Limited flexibility
- Becoming fatigued easily
- Difficulty with walking or keeping your balance
- Problems with your vision or skin (touch) sensation
- Getting dizzy when you stand up from sitting or lying down (orthostatic hypotension)
- Joint pain or arthritis
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Home hazards such as throw rugs, poor lighting, or a lack of handrails on stairs
- Inappropriate footwear
- Inappropriate use of a walker or a cane
If you are worried about falling, have had a loss of balance, or have had a fall, you should see a physical therapist. Contact On the Mend Physical Therapy at 480-354-2911
