Have you noticed you feel dizziness or unsteadiness walking (or standing) and worry you may fall at any time? Have you suffered from a fall recently or in the distant past? Are you worried about falling and wondering if there is something you can do to feel steady again? At Moon Physical Therapy in Mililani and Kailua, our team will assess your fall risks and address your concerns so you can regain your confidence!

Falls are particularly common and dangerous In older adults. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in people over 60 years. Falls are also a significant concern for seniors, even without an injury, because a fall can cause a loss of confidence and reduce a person’s ability to carry on with daily activities.

The good news is that you can easily prevent most falls with guidance from a physical therapist. If you have recently sustained a balance-related injury, it is important to seek the help of a physical therapist immediately to avoid additional injuries in the future.

Our team at Moon Physical Therapy in Mililani and Kailua will identify all the factors influencing your balance and provide the tools to improve your balance and coordination so you can feel safe on your feet and do the activities you love!

Call today to request an appointment, and let us help you get stronger and more confident so you can do the things you enjoy!

How to tell if you are at risk of falling

Some people have a higher risk of falling than others, and a combination of factors causes most falls. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling. If you notice you have any risk factors or are just concerned about your balance, let our physical therapist at Moon Physical Therapy help you before it’s too late!

The most common risk factors include:

  • Advanced age
  • Previous history of falls
  • Dizziness or vertigo (“spinning” sensations, even when remaining still)
  • Vision problems
  • Muscle weakness and reduced physical fitness due to a sedentary lifestyle and/or age
  • Neurological disorders (i.e., Parkinson’s disease)
  • Cardiovascular disease (i.e., heart attack, stroke, PAD)
  • Cognitive impairments (i.e., dementia or Alzheimer’s)
  • Depression

Some people are in good health and do not have any of the above risk factors but have had a recent injury or are recovering from surgery affecting their gait, including the need for an assistive device (i.e., crutches, cane, walker, etc.). In addition, behavioral risk factors can increase the risk of falling, including the following issues:

  • Certain medications
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Improper clothing/shoes
  • Environmental factors in the home (i.e., stairs, rugs, curbs, etc.)

Our physical therapist will assess your medical history and conduct a comprehensive physical examination to determine how many risk factors for falling you may have. We will design a program to address your limitations and educate you on the steps you can take to improve your balance.

What to expect at your Moon Physical Therapy visits

Our physical therapists will perform a thorough physical evaluation to figure out the best treatment plan for you. We will start with an injury evaluation, mobility, strength, and balance assessment to identify all the factors contributing to the injury.

In addition, we will include a review of your fall history and fear of falling, as well as identify any hazards in your home that may contribute to your fall risk.

We will use this information to develop a comprehensive program that includes targeted manual techniques, mobility work, and other techniques to alleviate any pain you may have or improve your range of motion.

We will work with you to strengthen weaknesses and incorporate appropriate balance and coordination drills to ensure you do your typical daily activities safely. Our Moon Physical Therapy team will assess and treat any gait-related problems or dysfunctional movement patterns to minimize your fall risks.

Your physical therapist will then incorporate task-specific treatments with a safe and effective progression to assist you in a safe return to daily activities. The good news is that you can prevent most falls with proper guidance!

Request an appointment today!

Exercise is one of the most effective treatment methods for patients with an increased risk of falling. The key is to get guidance from our physical therapist, who uses the most advanced treatment methods proven to help improve your balance and minimize your fall risks. Our team will help guide you through the steps you need to regain your confidence and reclaim your life.

Contact Moon Physical Therapy in Mililani and Kailua today to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists!

Sources:
  • https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12966-020-01041-3
  • https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-019-1359-9
  • https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/49/20/1348
  • https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html