The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one out of five falls result in a serious injury, such as a broken bone or head injury. In fact, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury. Many times even when someone does not get hurt from a fall, they develop a fear of falling which may decrease their quality of life.
People who have a fear of falling tend to participate less in the community and spend less time with family and friends. This change in socialization can lead to a decrease in satisfaction with your life because you are afraid of falling.
Fall Risk Factors
- Weakness in your trunk and legs
- Decreased range of motion in your trunk and legs
- Difficulties with walking and balance
- Walking at a slow pace
- Use of medicines, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance and how steady you are on your feet.
- Vision problems
- Foot pain or poor footwear
- Home hazards or dangers such as:
- Broken or uneven steps
- Throw rugs or clutter that can be tripped over
- No handrails along stairs or in the bathroom
Physical Therapy & Fall Prevention
Falling is a very common reason for a person to seek out physical therapy. Therapy can be quite effective in decreasing a person’s risk for falls and improving quality of life. At Penn Therapy & Fitness, our therapists have experience of successfully treating patients who have a history of falling.
During an initial evaluation your therapist will complete a thorough examination, including assessing range of motion and strength of your legs, reviewing a series of falls risk outcome measures, and discussing your fall history. Outcome measures are tests that are completed in the beginning of your treatment and then periodically thereafter to measure success of the fall prevention program.
Your therapist will also assign a home exercise program for you to complete on a regular basis to help you regain your balance, decrease your risk of falls and reduce your fear of falling so you can get back to doing all the things you love to do.
For more information about fall prevention or to request an appointment, please call 877-969-7342 or request an appointment online.