Falls can diminish your ability to lead an active and independent life.  There usually are several reasons for a falls, and the more risk factors you have, the greater your risk.

The reasons for falls are complex and include:

•   Being 80 years old or older
•   Leg muscle weakness
•   Difficulty with balance or walking
•   Vision problems (cataracts, macular degeneration, wearing bifocals)
•   Medical conditions that limit your ability to get around, such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or diabetes
•   Conditions that cause confusion, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
•   Depression
•   Taking more than 4 medications at the same time or psychoactive medications (such as sedatives or antidepressants)
•   Using a cane or other walking device
•   Home hazards (throw rugs, pets underfoot)
•   Low blood pressure
•   A history of previous falls

HOW A PHYSICAL THERAPIST CAN HELP

If you are worried about falling or if you recently had a fall, your physical therapist can conduct a screening of your fall risk. If the screening shows that you are at risk, the therapist will perform a thorough evaluation, and design and exercise and training program to improve your balance and strength, and may include:

•  Balance Training
•  Walking and Moving Improvement
•  Learning to Multitask Safely
•  Strength Training
•  Aerobic Training
•  Education
•  Fear Management
•  Use of community programs

Mady and Mules Physical Therapy (MMPT)/Howard County Physical Therapy (HCPT) offer Balance Clinics 2 times week.  Here we focus in on balance training and gait training.  You will work in a group setting with other people with similar balance/fall issues.  We create a program that will not only improve your balance but improve your overall health with strengthen and conditioning exercises.  If you or anyone you know might benefit from our Balance Clinic contact us at anyone of our offices and we will get you set up and back on your feet.

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Worksheet provided by www.MoveForwardPT.com