Do you have trouble staying balanced?
A fall prevention program could be beneficial to you!
Are you concerned about being injured if you fall? Have you ever felt unsteady while walking or descending stairs? Have you ever stumbled and had to catch yourself by grabbing a nearby railing or piece of furniture? A fall prevention program in Warminster or New Britain, PA at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy may be beneficial to you.
In adults over the age of 65, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. The good news is that with proper guidance, you can reduce and even prevent most falls. Unfortunately, most people do not consider working on their balance and gait until they have already fallen.
Fall risks are a major concern for seniors, and even if no injuries occur, a fall can result in a reduced ability to live an active and independent life. A fall frequently reduces a person’s confidence in activities at home and in their community.
Exercise programs designed to prevent falls in older adults also help to prevent injuries from falls, even the most serious ones. Our physical therapist team creates programs that are specific to your needs and abilities.
Typical fall risk factors
Some people are more likely than others to fall. The following are some of the most common risk factors:
- Muscle weakness or fatigue
- Reduced physical fitness or overall poor health
- Previous history of falls
- Advanced age
- Living a sedentary life
- Diabetic neuropathies
- Heart disease or history of a stroke or heart attack
- Arthritis or artificial joint
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Neurological conditions (i.e., Parkinson’s disease,
- Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease)
- Vision problems
- Fear of Falling
What can I expect from a fall prevention program?
At McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy, your initial evaluation in Warminster or New Britain, PA will include a comprehensive assessment of your range of motion, strength, and overall mobility. We may also evaluate your vision, gait, balance, and coordination.
The results of our tests will be used to identify all of the factors that contribute to your risk of falling and to implement treatments that address your impairments and reduce your fall risks.
Our fall prevention programs will employ the following strategies:
Strengthening exercises
Our physical therapists will create a strength training program tailored to your specific needs. This program will concentrate on strengthening specific muscle groups to ensure your mobility and recovery in the event of a fall.
According to research studies, strength training is a critical component of any fall prevention treatment and may also reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a fall.
Balance exercises
You may be required to perform specific balance-related exercises as part of your treatment plan. Standing on one leg is a common treatment that can be used as a diagnostic and treatment tool for an independent home program.
Your balance exercises will be designed by your therapists based on your unique abilities. These exercises will address static and dynamic balance deficits, allowing you to perform your normal daily activities safely.
Our team may include obstacles and distractions to sharpen your reactions and abilities in unfamiliar environments or situations. Our therapists can create a program to address any limitation, regardless of your needs.
Coordination training
Coordination training drills that stimulate the nervous system are an effective way to help reduce the risk of falling. Putting your ability to perceive and respond to changes in your environment to the test can mean the difference between stumbling and remaining stable.
Coordination training
Coordination training drills that stimulate the nervous system are an effective way to help reduce the risk of falling. Putting your ability to perceive and respond to changes in your environment to the test can mean the difference between stumbling and remaining stable.
Our physical therapists employ cutting-edge strategies to ensure that you maximize your physical potential so that you can safely participate in the activities you enjoy without the risk of falling!
Gait training
Gait activities are included in every good fall prevention program. For some, this means learning how to use an assistive device, such as a walker or cane. Others will use drills to simulate walking on uneven terrain.
Before developing any program, our therapists will assess your gait and overall mobility. They will use the evaluation information to create a program that ensures your safety while also challenging your abilities to maximize your capabilities.
To improve your balance, your physical therapist may instruct you to walk in a circle or complete an obstacle course. Whatever activities we choose, the goal will be to reduce your risk of falling.
Are you looking for ways to lower your chances of falling?
Learn more about McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy’s Fall Prevention Program!
Make an appointment with us in Warminster or New Britain, PA today.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Enjoy Life Pain-Free!