Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the Emergency Room for a Fall-Related injury. If you are worried that you may be a risk for falls, you should make an appointment with a Physical Therapist at Fyzical.
How will my Fall Risk be Assessed?
Your Physical Therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation, which will look at how stable you are when:
- You are walking
- You are standing still
- Your eyes are closed
- You are on an unstable surface
The Physical Therapist will also ensure that your central and peripheral nervous systems are working well. Other things that may be assessed are your strength, reflexes, and sensation to touch.
Following these tests, and completing questionnaires assessing your balance in daily life, your risk for falls will be determined.
What will happen if I am a Risk for Falls?
If your evaluation shows that you are at a risk for falls, weekly Physical Therapy will be recommended. During these sessions, your therapist will teach you balance strategies and how to recover from losses of balance. You will perform tasks such as walking over compliant surfaces, walking in a narrow base of support, and maintaining balance during cognitive tasks.
You can participate in physical therapy sessions, either in person, or via video conference. As you progress through your sessions, you will start to feel stronger, more stable on your feet, and be able to walk with ease.