Falling, Balance and Physical Therapy

Your risk of falling increases with age. About a third of people over 65 and about half of people over 80 will fall once this year. There are lots of causes for this. Vision problems are one common culprit, as are other types of medical conditions, including low blood pressure, neurologic conditions, or muscle weakness. Sometimes, the reasons for falls are much more direct, as is the case with hazards in your home. Nevertheless, even in those kinds of instances, the consequences of falls can be devastating. Physical therapists can help you deal with those consequences as well as reduce your risk of falling in the first place.

One thing your physical therapist will do for you is help you determine, and then reduce, your risk of any further falls. A vision test is part of this process, as is a home safety assessment. A general review of the rest of your medical history will also be performed, including a look at what medications you're currently on. If you're on more than four, that alone can increase your risk of falling. Once this assessment has been performed, a personalized program of therapy will be put together for you. A physical therapist with experience treating people with neurological conditions will be particularly adept at this.

Balance training will be a part of that program. Single leg standing is one simple exercise that can help you improve your balance. Walking and moving in general form another key component. Of course, it won't just be any old walking and moving. Dance steps, figure eights, walking in circles, and even obstacle courses could all be utilized. Next, up, we have "dual task" training. This is learning to do more than one thing at the same time safely. The goal here is that you will be able to maintain your walking speed while engaging in other tasks, such as carrying groceries or engaging in a conversation.

You don't just need to be able to balance yourself while you walk, though. You also need to build up your strength. So, your therapist will also guide you through exercises designed to help you do just that. Not all of your therapy needs to be administered solo, either. There are also several community programs your therapist may encourage you to be involved in. In addition to helping you reduce your risk (and fear) of falling, these programs will provide you many wonderful opportunities for additional socialization and support.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a fall, or is at risk of falling, contact a physical therapists to see how they can help.