How do you know if you're a fall risk?
Do you lose your balance frequently even without an actual fall? Have you had an actual fall in the last year?
Do you have difficulty transferring from sitting to standing without hand assistance?
Falls can happen when you least expect it, any where and any time of day. Low lighting and throw rugs are external factors that you an easily manage. If you get up at night, make sure you turn on a light, or at least minimally have a nightlight (or several) to light your path. Throw rugs tend to cause patients to catch their toes and send them flying. Keep floors and pathways clear and wide. Additionally, going barefoot or with shoes that have good traction. Socks are a slip waiting to happen.
One thing that your physical therapist may do with you is practice getting up off the floor. Floor mobility is important for a variety of reasons, but especially being able to get back up if you've fallen.
We will also focus on challenging your balance through activities that make you lose your balance. Seems counterproductive right? But we will be there to spot you and keep your safe. The options are endless (and quite fun) to challenge your balance. We will also target lower extremity and core strength. Our balance reaction starts in our ankles and then moves up the kinetic chain depending on how large the loss of balance is in order to regain our balance.
If you have had a fall or are a fall risk reach out to our office today!