As the elderly patient population (65 years and older) increases due to longer lift expectancy, falls and complications from falls are becoming more common. Physical therapy is an essential component to fall prevention to help reduce the risk of falls and improve overall safety and independence.
Approximately 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older fall each year, leading to a variety of fractures, head injuries, and a decline in independence due to apprehension of falling again. Once you experience a fall, there is an increased risk of repeated falls, and falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after road traffic injuries. The most common factors contributing to falls include:
- Muscle Weakness and Imbalance: Weak muscles and poor balance are common contributors to falls, especially among older adults. Maintaining strength and balance through regular exercise can help mitigate this risk.
- Poor Vision: Vision problems, such as poor depth perception, cataracts, or other eye conditions, can increase the risk of falls. Regular eye check-ups and corrective measures, such as glasses or contact lenses, can help address this.
- Environmental Hazards: Cluttered or poorly lit environments, uneven surfaces, slippery floors, and obstacles in walkways can all contribute to falls. Removing hazards and improving lighting can reduce the risk.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other side effects that increase the risk of falls. It’s essential to be aware of medication side effects and consult with healthcare professionals if necessary.
- Chronic Conditions: Health conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or other neurological disorders can affect balance and increase the risk of falls. Managing these conditions and seeking appropriate medical care can help minimize the risk.
- Foot Problems: Foot pain, poor footwear, or foot conditions like bunions can contribute to falls. Wearing supportive and well-fitting shoes can be beneficial.
- Dizziness and Orthostatic Hypotension: Conditions that cause dizziness or a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension) can lead to falls. Adequate hydration and addressing underlying medical issues can help manage these concerns.
- Age-related Changes: As people age, physiological changes such as reduced bone density and changes in joint flexibility can increase the likelihood of falls.
- Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to muscle weakness and reduced flexibility, increasing the risk of falls. Regular exercise, including activities that improve strength and balance, can be protective.
- Cognitive Impairment: Conditions affecting cognitive function, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, can increase the risk of falls due to impaired judgment and coordination.
- Alcohol and Substance Abuse: The use of alcohol or certain drugs can impair judgment, coordination, and balance, leading to an increased risk of falls.
Physical Therapy, in conjunction with other healthcare professionals, can help to reduce your fall risk as well as help you regain your strength and confidence if you have already had a fall. Regular physical activity is always encouraged, but physical therapy can help assess what deficits you have and how to address them. These include:
- Assessment of Strength and Balance: Physical therapists can assess an individual’s strength, balance, and gait (walking pattern) to identify specific areas of weakness or impairment that may contribute to falls.
- Individualized Exercise Programs: Based on the assessment, physical therapists can design personalized exercise programs to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. These exercises often focus on the core, lower body, and proprioception (awareness of body position in space).
- Gait Training: Physical therapists can work on improving the individual’s walking pattern and teach techniques to walk more safely and confidently.
- Functional Activities Training: Therapy sessions may include practicing activities of daily living, such as getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, or reaching for objects, to enhance functional mobility and reduce the risk of falls during daily activities.
- Home Exercise Programs: Physical therapists may provide patients with home exercise programs to encourage regular practice of exercises that target specific areas of weakness or impairment.
- Education on Environmental Modifications: Physical therapists can offer guidance on making necessary modifications to the home environment to reduce fall risks, such as removing obstacles, improving lighting, and installing grab bars.
- Assistive Devices: When appropriate, physical therapists may recommend and provide training on the use of assistive devices like canes or walkers to enhance stability and mobility.
- Falls Risk Education: Providing education on factors that contribute to falls and strategies to prevent them can empower individuals to take an active role in their own fall prevention.
- Progress Monitoring: Physical therapists regularly assess progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed. This ensures that the interventions are effective in addressing the individual’s specific needs.
- Collaboration with Healthcare Team: Physical therapists often work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, occupational therapists, and nurses, to provide comprehensive care for individuals at risk of falls.
We often work closely with family members as well to ensure safety with home exercises and communication regarding patient progress. If you feel that you or a family member is at an increase for falling or has fallen, call us at 918-893-3409 to help get your strength and confidence back!