Afraid of Falling? We’re Here To Catch You

Marion, 74, was terrified of falling. She’d heard the statistics: Falls are a leading cause of injury among people over 60 and the second leading cause of injury deaths worldwide. And although she’d always been active, she found her balance changing as she grew older, which only deepened her fears.

Like many people, Marion didn’t realize that the fear of falling can also be debilitating. That fear kept her close to home. She didn’t spend as much time with friends and family, and her lifestyle was much less active than it had been ten years earlier–which actually increased her fall risk!

But then Marion began working with the integrated team at ProClinix Sports Physical Therapy & Chiropractic to help with her hip pain. When she shared her concerns about falling, we incorporated fall prevention strategies into the physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture she was already receiving. This built Marion’s confidence enough that she returned to some of her favorite activities, like gardening and meeting with friends for a weekly coffee.

We know falls can be frightening. But we also know that fall prevention training can help you face your fears and give you the confidence to live an active, healthy lifestyle, even into old age.

Ready to get started with your own fall prevention plan? Schedule an appointment with us today!

Understanding Your Fall Risk

Everyone’s fall risk is different. No single factor determines your likelihood of a fall; instead, it’s a complex blend of age, lifestyle choices, and health conditions. The more of these factors apply to you, the more likely you are to fall.

Which items on this fall risk list apply to you or a loved one?

Advanced age (60 years or older)
Being female (women are more likely to suffer falls than men)
Joint pain, including from arthritis
Spells of dizziness or vertigo (a spinning sensation)
Decline in vision or hearing
Sedentary lifestyle

Impaired balance or gait
Weakness in the lower body
Use of medications that can cause dizziness or balance issues
Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s
Stroke survivor
A history of falls

If you think you might be at a high risk of falling, don’t get scared–give us a call! Our team can assess your fall risk and provide you with a customized fall prevention plan that can lower the likelihood of a fall-related injury.

How ProClinix Sports Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Can Keep You On Your Feet

A good fall prevention plan will address your specific fall risks. For example, someone who suffers from regular vertigo attacks would benefit from specialized therapy to address that issue. Meanwhile, someone with Parkinson’s disease doesn’t necessarily need to worry about dizziness but does need to address an impaired posture, balance, and gait.

Our team will work with you to decide which specific treatment options will be the right choice for your personal fall prevention plan. That said, there are some commonalities. Here are a few of the techniques we typically include:

Pain Management: Joint pain can inhibit mobility, resulting in a sedentary lifestyle and increased fall risk. If you suffer from pain, we offer several drug-free pain management options, including acupuncture and massage therapy.
Balance Training: Balance training is the foundation of fall prevention. We’ll guide you through specialized exercises that challenge your balance in a safe, monitored environment–ensuring you see improvements over time.
Strength Training: One reason older people are at an increased risk of falling is that they lose muscle mass as they age, making it more challenging to move around. We’ll prepare a strength training program appropriate to your ability level and help you restore some of that lost muscle mass.
Gait Training: This technique focuses on improving your walking patterns. Certain conditions (such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke) can severely change your gait, and addressing those impairments can reduce your chances of falling.
Regular Exercise Program: Staying active plays a significant role in keeping you from a fall. We’ll suggest an exercise program that suits your needs and abilities, such as a simple walking regimen.

No More Fear of Falling: Call Us Today!

A dedicated fall prevention plan from ProClinix Sports Physical Therapy & Chiropractic can give you the confidence to age healthfully, no matter your fall risk. Call us today to schedule an appointment with our integrated team of physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and acupuncturists. They’ll work together to create the best plan for your needs.

Join Us for a Healthier You – Book Today!

Come back to ProClinix Sports Physical Therapy & Chiropractic and book your appointment today for personalized care and exceptional service!

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Exercise of the Month

Side-Lying Shoulder External Rotation

By Dr. Liz Bynum, PT, DPT

A side-lying shoulder external rotation is utilized for improved shoulder stability.

This is a great exercise that helps improve the stability and overall health of your shoulder. Many of us tend to sit/stand with a rounded shoulder posture and this exercise helps to improve that posture. Side-lying external rotation strengthens certain muscles of the rotator cuff which can help bring the shoulder blades back out of a forward/rounded posture. This exercise can be performed on a bed/yoga mat and does not require much equipment.

Let’s try it:

1. Lie on the side you are not working.

2. Place a rolled-up small towel under the elbow and bend the elbow to 90 degrees.

3. Start with your forearm parallel to the floor.

4. Squeeze the muscles at the back of the shoulder and rotate the forearm up towards the ceiling.

5. Aim for 2-3 sets of 10 repetitions.

6. If performing the exercise without weight is too easy you can try adding a light weight. If adding weight, start with 1lb as this exercise can become fatiguing quickly.

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Afraid of Falling? We’re Here To Catch You