It’s estimated that at least one-third of people who are over the age of 65 fall at least once a year. Falls can lead to injuries, which lead to loss of confidence, which leads to a reduced level of activity and community participation. It can also lead to high health costs, especially as the population of 65+ increases.
It can be easy to simply say “I’ll be more careful”, but the reality is that, as you grow older, your body changes and increases your risk of falling. If you’re concerned about your own risk of falling, especially if you live alone, consider physiotherapy. We’ll take a closer look at how physiotherapy can reduce your risk.
How Can Physiotherapy Help with Fall Prevention?
Physiotherapy focuses on restoring and maintaining proper physical function, mobility, and well-being. With that in mind, it should be easy to see how it can prevent falls – the goal is to address underlying and function issues that increase the risk of falls.
Your physiotherapist will assess your individual needs and develop a personalized plan that is geared towards improving balance, strength, mobility, and gait. Physiotherapy has been shown to reduce fall risk by up to 25%.
Assessing Your Fall Risk
The first step in preventing your falls is to assess your risk. At your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will examine your physical condition, mobility, balance, and strength to identify specific risk areas that can be targeted with therapy and exercise. Subsequent sessions will focus on correcting muscle imbalances to improve posture, enhance your gait, and improve your coordination.
Building Up Strength
Now that you’ve been assessed, your physiotherapist will start building out your plan. Resistance training and building strength are crucial parts of fall prevention. It strengthens your muscle groups that support balance, posture, and alignment. Your physiotherapist will recommend safe and effective routines that will help to build your core strength, improve your bone density, and increase your flexibility, all of which help to lower your fall risk.
Training Your Balance and Coordination
Balance and coordination are key parts of reducing the risk of falling. Your physiotherapist will provide you with a plethora of exercises, such as standing on one leg, heel-to-toe walking, and reaching exercises that can improve your special awareness and proprioceptive sense and enhance sensory feedback processing. A personalized training program will increase your confidence, reduce sway, and improve your reaction time.
How White Rock Orthopaedic & Sports Physiotherapy Clinic Can Help
Physiotherapy is a proven way to help you reduce your risk of falling so you can live a safer and more confident life. White Rock Orthopaedic & Sports Physiotherapy Clinic provides patient-centred physiotherapy in Surrey. Our goal is to ensure you get the treatment you need to help reduce your risk of falling as much as possible. We are trusted by many to deliver advanced treatments that achieve the desired outcomes.
Take advantage of our trusted medical support system. Book an appointment today and you’ll take the first steps towards a safer tomorrow.
