Falling is a high-risk accident affecting the 65-and-older population. In fact, one out of every three people age 65 or older may experience a fall every year. Certain medical conditions may lead to an increase in falling. Conditions such as vision changes due to macular degeneration or cataracts, can throw off your sense of balance. Additionally, feeling dizzy, decrease in muscle strength, decreased muscle flexibility and joint mobility can all contribute to a potential fall. Peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities, like your legs and feet, can also lead to a sense of imbalance.

At Spooner Physical Therapy, we regularly treat patients who are recovering from a fall. More importantly, physical therapy can help prevent falls from occurring in the first place.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Spooner physical therapists are trained in helping our patients recover from and prevent falls through a treatment plan that will address leg strengthening and proprioceptive training (exercises that teach you to control an injured joint or overcome deficient mobility). Every treatment plan is personalized to the patients’ current mobility and strength, age, lifestyle and more. The physical therapists work specifically within our patients’ deficits to target those areas. Each visit your therapists will strategize on gaining functional improvements.

How You Can Prevent Falling

A large part of fall prevention includes evaluating your lifestyle and environmental risk factors, which Spooner therapists are trained to do. For example, consider your environmental factors like thick rugs, improper footwear, or having cords in your home that run lose across walkways. Even factors like dim lighting can substantially increase your risk of falling.

Physical therapists can also help to identify a need for an assistive walking device, designed to give you confidence and improve your stability. We can teach you how to safely use these devices and maintain your current lifestyle and function.

Physical therapists can:

  • Evaluate your risk of falling
  • Provide recommendations for improving your strength and flexibility
  • Determine your need for an assistive device
  • Recommend follow up care with physicians as needed, and work alongside your physician for your care

Schedule Your Complimentary Assessment!

If you’re concerned about falling, or you’re recovering from a fall and want professional assistance, we’re here to help. Spooner offers complimentary assessments for all patients (no prescription required!).

Learn more about Vestibular Rehabilitation at Spooner Physical Therapy. Ready to schedule an appointment? Schedule an appointment or complimentary movement screen with a Spooner physical therapist at one of our locations throughout the valley.