September 22nd is National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, and FYZICAL is bringing the focus to this very important topic. Each year, more than 3 million older people are injured in falls and receive treatment in emergency departments.
Falls are not an inevitable result of aging. They are preventable, and there are steps you can take to improve balance and decrease the chances of falling. Early intervention is key if you or someone you know is suffering from imbalance.
Most people have experienced a fall at some point, maybe after losing their balance or tripping over an object. Although common, falls can be dangerous and lead to many types of injuries. Fortunately, the most common causes of falling are also preventable.
How can physical therapy help prevent falls?
Improving your walking skills (gait) and your balance are interrelated challenges. At FYZICAL Peoria, we help you master these skills to decrease your risk of injury, while also increasing your confidence and independence.
Gait and balance training have a number of benefits, including avoiding injuries associated with falls or dizziness, increased confidence with your footing and movement, and reduced pain from poor gait or posture.
What happens in this training?
First, your gait is evaluated to determine potential problems. Simple movements to test balance are also part of this screening. These basic evaluations help us know what to focus on in therapy.
Poor posture as well as hip and ankle weakness can lead to balance problems. Strength and flexibility can help counteract these. Steps as simple as leg lifts (while seated in a chair), standing on one leg, walking heel-to-toe, or visual tracking exercise can all help alleviate these issues.
This self-assessment quiz can help determine if you or your loved one are at risk for a fall:
I have fallen in the past year.
Yes (2)
No
I use or have been advised to use a cane or walker.
Yes (2)
No
I sometimes lose my balance while walking.
Yes (1)
No
I worry about falling.
Yes (1)
No
I use my arms to push myself up from a chair.
Yes (1)
No
I sometimes have trouble stepping up onto a curb.
Yes (1)
No
My body sways when standing stationary.
Yes (1)
No
I take short narrow steps.
Yes (1)
No
I stumble often or look at the ground when I walk.
Yes (1)
No
I frequently have to rush to the toilet.
Yes (1)
No
I have lost some feeling in one or both of my feet.
Yes (1)
No
My medication makes me feel light-headed or sleepy.
Yes (1)
No
If you scored four points or more, schedule your fall risk evaluation today.
Contact FYZICAL Peoria today by visiting our website fyzical.com/peoria or calling (309) 589-5900 to Fight the Fall.
FYZICAL THERAPY & BALANCE CENTER – A DIVISION OF PEORIA EAR, NOSE & THROAT GROUP