Afraid of Falling? Physical Therapy Is Here To Catch You

Afraid of Falling? Physical Therapy Is Here To Catch You

Marion, 74, was terrified of falling. (Note that her name has been changed.) She’d heard the statistics: Falls are a leading cause of injury among people over 60 and the second leading cause of injury deaths worldwide. And although she’d always been active, she found her balance changing as she grew older, which only deepened her fears.

Like many people, Marion didn’t realize that the fear of falling can also be debilitating. That fear kept her close to home. She didn’t spend as much time with friends and family, and her lifestyle was much less active than it had been ten years earlier–which actually increased her fall risk!

But then Marion began seeing one of our physical therapists to help with her hip pain. When she shared her concerns about falling, he incorporated fall prevention strategies into her treatment plan, building Marion’s confidence enough that she returned to some of her favorite activities, like gardening and meeting with friends for a weekly coffee.

At McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy, we know falls can be frightening. But we also know that fall prevention training can help you face your fears and give you the confidence to live an active, healthy lifestyle, even into old age.

Ready to get started with your own fall prevention plan? Schedule an appointment with us today!

Understanding Your Fall Risk

Everyone’s fall risk is different. No single factor determines your likelihood of a fall; instead, it’s a complex blend of age, lifestyle choices, and health conditions. The more of these factors apply to you, the more likely you are to fall.

Which items on this fall risk list apply to you or a loved one?

Advanced age (60 years or older)
Being female (women are more likely to suffer falls than men)
Joint pain, including from arthritis
Spells of dizziness or vertigo (a spinning sensation)
Decline in vision or hearing
Sedentary lifestyle
Impaired balance or gait

Weakness in the lower body
Use of medications that can cause dizziness or balance issues
Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s
Peripheral Neuropathy
Stroke survivor
A history of falls

If you think you might be at a high risk of falling, don’t get scared–give us a call! Our team of physical therapists can assess your fall risk and provide you with a customized fall prevention plan that can lower the likelihood of a fall-related injury.

How Physical Therapy Can Keep You On Your Feet

A good fall prevention plan will address your specific fall risks. For example, someone who suffers from regular vertigo attacks would benefit from specialized therapy to address that issue. Meanwhile, someone with Parkinson’s disease doesn’t necessarily need to worry about dizziness but does need to address an impaired posture, balance, and gait.

Our therapists will identify the origin of your symptoms, educate you about your condition, and explain how your specific treatment is the right choice for your personal fall prevention plan. That said, there are some commonalities. Here are a few of the techniques we typically include:

Pain Management: Joint pain can inhibit mobility, resulting in a sedentary lifestyle and increased fall risk. If you suffer from pain, we’ll work with you to manage it safely and effectively.
Balance Training: Balance training is the foundation of fall prevention. We’ll guide you through specialized exercises that challenge your balance in a safe, monitored environment–ensuring you see improvements over time.
Strength Training: One reason older people are at an increased risk of falling is that they lose muscle mass as they age, making it more challenging to move around. We’ll prepare a strength training program appropriate to your ability level and help you restore some of that lost muscle mass.
Gait Training: This technique focuses on improving your walking patterns. Certain conditions (such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke) can severely change your gait, and addressing those impairments can reduce your chances of falling.
Regular Exercise Program: Staying active plays a significant role in keeping you from a fall. We’ll suggest an exercise program that suits your needs and abilities, such as a simple walking regimen.

No More Fear of Falling: Call Us Today!

A dedicated fall prevention plan from McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy can give you the confidence to age healthfully, no matter your fall risk. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your initial consultation!

Get Started with PT Now!

Return to McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!

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Feel Better by Eating Better!

Hearty Tomato Soup with Beans & Greens

Ingredients:

• 2 (14 oz) cans low-sodium hearty-style tomato soup

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cups chopped kale

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• ⅛ tsp crushed red pepper (Optional)

• 1 (14 oz) can no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Heat soup in a medium saucepan according to package directions; simmer over low heat as you prepare kale. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add kale and cook, stirring, until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and crushed red pepper (if using) and cook for 30 seconds. Stir the greens and beans into the soup and simmer until the beans are heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Divide the soup among 4 bowls. Serve topped with Parmesan.

What do you think of when you hear the word fall? Crisp refreshing days? Bonfires and changing leaves? Pumpkin carving? What if you were to focus on your nutrition this fall?

The food we eat has a significant impact on several elements of our health, particularly our heart health. Obesity, weight gain, physical inactivity, stress, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol all increase the risk of heart disease and other cancers.

Considering the importance of nutrition, it’s never the wrong time to think critically about your diet. At McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy, we know that fall can be busy, which is why we want to give you a few simple tips on how to improve your nutrition this season.

1. Try to eat more root vegetables

The majority of root vegetables are available all year, but they are most ripe from fall to spring. During the cooler months, garlic, onions, ginger, turnips, carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, and parsnips provide plenty of flavor and nutrients.

Many root vegetables are high in folate, which is essential for cell growth and metabolism!

2. Make a hearty soup

Making a large pot of soup every weekend is a great way to improve your nutrition throughout the week. Soups, while they can take several hours to cook, usually require very little active time.

When it comes to recipes to try, your options are virtually endless. There’s hearty bean soup, pureed root vegetable soup, winter squash soup, traditional chicken noodle soup, chili, and so much more! And with temperatures dropping, what tastes better than a warm stew?

3. Select leaner sources of protein

Did you know that regularly eating red meat and processed meat can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and certain cancers?

So, instead of opting for red meat, select leaner sources of protein for your meals and recipes. This can include chicken, turkey, beans, lentils, low fat yogurt, fish, tofu, and nuts.

If you think you need a little more help developing a healthy diet this fall, contact McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy today. We can help you develop an exercise and nutrition plan that works for your needs.

Our Patients Get Great Results

“I was referred to Rich Winters at McCabe & Brady PT by my PCP because of his past experience with referring patients to Rich who have been treated successfully. Rich diagnosed me on my initial visit and recommended a treatment plan that not many PTs are skilled at (McKenzie). Although his treatment plan was at times hard to tolerate, I immediately began seeing improvement. Rich was thorough, professional, clearly knows his trade and was compassionate as I worked through a “no pain no gain” regimen. I saw Rich for five visits and he prescribed a home treatment plan which I employ to this day. I highly recommend Rich Winters to all who are seeking a top-notch doctor of physical therapy.”

– G.T.

Afraid of Falling? Physical Therapy Is Here To Catch You