Fall Prevention Program

Fall risk can diminish your ability to lead an active and independent life. There usually are several reasons for a fall, and the more risk factors you have, the greater your risk for serious injury.

The reasons for fall risk are complex and include:

  • Being 80 years old or older
  • Leg muscle weakness
  • Difficulty with balance or walking
  • Vision problems (cataracts, macular degeneration, wearing bifocals)
  • Medical conditions that limit your ability to get around, such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or diabetes 
  • Conditions that cause confusion, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Depression
  • Taking more than 4 medications at the same time or psychoactive medications (such as sedatives or antidepressants)
  • Using a cane or other walking device
  • Home hazards (throw rugs, pets underfoot)
  • Low blood pressure
  • A history of previous falls

Could you benefit from a Fall Prevention Program?

Aches and Pains Keeping You From Enjoying Your Mornings? Physical Therapy Can Help!
FALL RISK ASSESSMENT QUIZ
  1. Have you fallen in the last year?
  2. Do you use, or have you been advised to use a cane or walker?
  3. Do you lose your balance when walking?
  4. Do you worry about falling?
  5. Do you use your arms to push yourself up from a chair?
  6. Do you have difficulty stepping up onto the curb?
  7. Do you take short, narrow steps?
  8. Does your body sway when standing stationary?
  9. Do you stumble frequently or look at the ground when walking?
  10. Do you frequently have to rush to the toilet?
  11. Are you experiencing any loss of feeling in one or both of your feet?
  12. Are you taking any medications which make you feel sleepy, dizzy , or lightheaded?

If you answered yes to 4 or more of these questions, we highly recommend you schedule an in-depth fall risk assessment. You are considered a high risk for falling. A balance and vestibular therapy program could significantly benefit your health and quality of life.

How A Physical Therapist Can Help

If you are worried about falling or if you recently had a fall, your physical therapist can conduct a screening of your fall risk. If the screening shows that you are at risk, our physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation, and design an exercise and training program to improve your balance and strength, and may include:

  • Balance Training
  • Walking and Moving Improvement
  • Learning to Multitask Safely
  • Strength Training
  • Aerobic Training
  • Education
  • Fear Management
  • Use of Community Programs

For more information, Contact our Williamsburg physical therapy clinic today.