S. M. A. R. T. Patient Education Pages
Preventing Falls
Page One - Your Body
As we age, we don’t bounce back for a fall quite as easily as we did when younger. The bad news is that, for seniors, up to 50% of falls result in injuries. Those injuries range from less serious muscle sprains and strains, through serious bone breaks, to very debilitating head traumas that can permanently reduce independence and mobility. The good news is that experts estimate that more than 90% of falls can be prevented.
On this page we offer tips for physical conditioning. On page two of Preventing Falls, we offer tips for preparing your environment.
STRETCH
Never stretch “cold” unprepared muscles. Start with little gentle movement to stimulate blood circulation and prepare your muscles for stretching. This movement might be walking, but it doesn’t have to be. Even small movements of your arms and legs while sitting or reclining will also increase circulation. Don’t strain.
Then, a bit of gentle stretching, while standing or seated, will improve circulation to your muscles and maintain or improve your range of motion.
MOVE
For seniors, as with everyone else, it is important to keep moving throughout the day. Normal daily activities can help maintain muscle strength and balance, both of which are essential to preventing falls.
ADD IT UP
Start slowly. Ten minutes here, 10 minutes there are just as effective in maintaining your mobility and independence as longer sessions.
Listen to your body, and move within your own endurance. Pace yourself and fill your day with a variety of activities.
REDUCE STRAIN
Use all available aids at your disposal. Hearing aids, glasses, canes and walkers are proof of your intelligent determination to maintain your independence using all the tools at your disposal.
The right equipment, the right clothing and a living space that reduces hazards (see page two of Preventing Falls) all contribute to your safety.
TALK TO A PHYSIOTHERAPIST
We can help you extend and maintain your physical health. We provide a safe and secure environment in which we can fully assess your current condition.
We take a medical history, review medications you are taking and conduct a series of targeted tests to measure your strength, flexibility, balance, posture and walking.
We then design a personal program of exercises and therapies that will improve your mobility, strength and balance. Our therapies will also help to relieve, reduce or prevent pain. All of these physical benefits can reduce the risk of falling.
If our assessment determines that balance problems, accompanied by nausea, dizziness or vertigo, are the result of inner ear damage, we might prescribe a vestibular rehabilitation program.
We also can do an assessment of your home, pointing out hazards like area rugs and wires, and suggesting furniture arrangements that can make the home environment safer. Follow this link to page two of Preventing Falls for more information about a safe environment. preventingfalls2
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