Building Strength to Prevent Falls: National Physical Therapy Month 2024 Edition
Every year, 1 in 4 older adults report falling, and for many, those falls result in a range of injuries. Broken bones, dislocated shoulders, knee pain, and sprains are just a few of the intense and potentially life-altering consequences that can follow a fall.
While these incidents lead to physical injuries, they can also affect confidence, independence, and overall well-being. The good news? Most falls are preventable, and their consequences can be minimized.
This year, the theme for National Physical Therapy Month 2024 is “fall prevention”.
At Alliance Orthopedics, we’re committed to empowering our patients to take control of their health and reduce their fall risk. Read on to learn how physical therapy reduces the risk of falling.
Understanding Falls and their Impact
From childhood, falls become a common part of our lives, but their impact grows rigorously as we age. Even small bumps can send a shockwave down the spine and can lead to major injuries including chronic shoulder pain if not dealt with on time.
Who is at Risk?
Everyone is at risk of falls, but certain groups are more susceptible. For example, seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, and those with chronic health conditions are more prone to falling.
Additionally, factors like poor vision, muscle weakness, and certain medications increase the risk of falls in people of all age groups.
Consequences of a Fall
There are several consequences of fall, and some of them are intense. Here’s what can happen after a fall:
Fractures and Broken Bones: These are among the most common injuries that result from falls. A broken hip or wrist can not only require surgery but also a lengthy recovery period, which can disrupt your routine and independence. Furthermore, jaw pain caused due to a broken temporomandibular joint can make it tough to eat, and chew.
Head Injuries: Falls can lead to serious head injuries, including concussions and neurological disorders. Even a minor bump to the head can have lasting effects, which can impact your cognitive functions, balance, and overall well-being.
📝Note: It’s essential to take head injuries seriously, as their effects may not be immediately apparent.
Sprains or Dislocations: These injuries can result in chronic pain and often limit your ability to move freely. Whether it’s a sprained ankle or a dislocated shoulder, the impact can make simple tasks, like getting dressed or walking, feel daunting.
Fear of Falling: The fear of falling again is perhaps one of the most insidious consequences, and it can create a cycle of avoidance. You may feel anxious and that might limit your ability to perform activities, reducing your social interactions and physical engagement, ultimately degrading your overall quality of life.
Falls can have life-changing impacts, and that’s why it’s crucial to avoid them in the first place. Physical therapy has been one of the most effective ways to build strength, which reduces the risk of accidental falls. For personalized physical therapy, make an appointment at Alliance Orthopedics.
👉 Also Read: The Benefits of Orthopedic Physical Therapy: Insights from Alliance Orthopedics
How a Physical Therapist Diagnoses Fall Risk
When it comes to diagnosing fall risk, physical therapists are your go-to experts. They use a range of assessments to get a clear picture of your unique situation.
Here’s how physical therapists work:
Balance Tests
The risk of falls becomes higher if you experience problems in maintaining balance. That’s why physical therapists often start with balance assessments. These tests help determine how well you can maintain your balance while standing still or in motion. Simple activities, like standing on one leg or walking in a straight line, can reveal a lot about your stability.
Gait Analysis
How you walk can tell a physical therapist who has clinical expertise a great deal about your risk of falling. They’ll observe your gait – your walking pattern – to see if there are any irregularities, like shuffling steps or difficulty turning. Understanding these risks allow PTs in treating patients by providing tailored intervention plans to relieve pain.
Functional Mobility Assessments
Your ability to perform everyday tasks, like getting up from a chair or climbing stairs, helps therapists spot areas where you may struggle. It also helps them develop tailored strategies to improve your condition.
Your Medical History
Professional physical therapists also look at your medical history to understand if you have any underlying conditions that could increase the risk of falls. They will also ask you about the current medications to create a comprehensive view of your risk factors.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Preventing Falls
Physical therapy is highly effective in reducing the risk of falls, especially if you have weak muscles or bones. After diagnosing your condition and risk of falls, a physical therapist will proceed with the following:
Customized Strengthening Exercises
Think of this as building your body’s safety net. Your therapist will guide you through exercises that target key muscle groups to help support your joints and improve stability. These exercises will help you feel strong and secure in your movements.
Balance Training
Balance is important to prevent falls, and physical therapists use fun ways to help you improve it. From using balance objects to simple standing exercises, board-certified clinical specialists will help you practice moves that enhance your coordination and steadiness.
Fall Prevention Strategies
Along with exercises, your therapist will share valuable tips on safe movement, the best footwear, and even how to tweak your home setup to be more fall-proof. You can learn things like how to get out of bed and vehicles, which is important to prevent falls.
Kinetisense System
At Alliance Orthopedics, we utilize the Kinetisense system to enhance fall prevention strategies. This innovative technology provides real-time feedback on your movement patterns and balance, allowing your therapist to tailor your treatment plan more effectively. By analyzing your biomechanics, the Kinetisense system helps identify areas for improvement, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your fall prevention.
Ongoing Support and Reassessment
Fall prevention is not a one-time effort; it is an ongoing process. When you visit your physical therapists, they’ll understand how the treatment plan has worked for you to track your progress and make changes to the plan for maximum benefit.
👉 Also Read: What is the Difference Between Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy?
Celebrate this National Physical Therapy Month with Alliance Orthopedics
National Physical Therapy Month is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by prioritizing your health and well-being. This October, take the opportunity to invest in yourself by exploring manual therapy sessions at Alliance Orthopedics – the top physical therapy clinic in the area.
Whether you’re looking to improve your balance, recover from an injury, or simply enhance your overall mobility, we are here to support you. Some of our therapists are members of the American Physical Therapy Association, and we promise top-notch care.
Contact our physical therapists today to explore our rehabilitation services and book a detailed consultation.
Let’s work together to build a stronger, healthier you