Falls are a serious health concern and are a leading cause of injuries and death among older adults. At OrthoRehab, our therapy team works extensively with the elderly population to guide them in ways to safely navigate the challenges of fall prevention, as well as balance issues that many people face. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year. Even the gentlest of falls, can lead to injuries such as fractures, head injuries, overall decline in health, and even death. Physical Therapy with themovement experts at OrthoRehab can play a significant role in fall prevention by improving strength, balance, and coordination. Benefits of Physical Therapy for Fall Prevention:

How Can Physical Therapy Help with Fall Prevention?

• A Physical Therapist can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. Additionally, your physical therapist can perform a comprehensive assessment of your balance, gait, and strength to identify areas of weakness and potential fall risks.
• Strength Training: Strength training exercises can help improve overall muscle strength and reduce the risk of falls.
• Balance Training: Balance training exercises can help improve stability and reduce the risk of falls and may include standing on one foot, heel-to-toe walking, and balance board training.
• Coordination Training: Coordination training can help improve reaction time and reduce the risk of falls and may include coordination exercises like catching and throwing a ball or following a specific pattern of movements.
• Education: Your Physical Therapist can provide pertinent education on proper footwear, safe walking techniques, tools to assist you, and how to recover from a fall.

As our population ages, it is imperative for the discussion about Fall Prevention to take place. Falls are a serious health concern, especially for older adults. The Physical Therapists at OrthoRehab can play a significant role by improving strength, balance, and coordination. If you are concerned about your risk of falls, talk to your healthcare provider about how Physical Therapy could be a suitable treatment option for you.