What Does Physical Therapy Do?
- Fall Assessment
- Dizziness/Vertigo Evaluation And Treatment
- Baseline Concussion Screening
- Increase Strength, Balance, And Flexibility
- Education On Preventing Falls
- Education On How To Get Off The Floor And Easily Stand From A Chair
- Improve Peripheral Nerve Pain And Sensation
- Improve Quality Of Life
- Therapy Is Covered By Most Insurances
- 20-30% Of People Who Fall Suffer Moderate To Severe Injuries Such As Lacerations, Hip Fractures Or Head Trauma; All Of Which Can Increase The Risk Of Early Death.
- Can Cause Head Injuries/Concussions.
- Falls Are The Most Common Cause Of Traumatic Brain Injuries. In 2000, 46% Of Fatal Falls Among Older Adults Were Due To This.
- Most Fractures Among Older Adults Are Caused By Falls. The Most Common Are Fractures Of The Spine, Hip, Forearm, Leg, Ankle, Pelvis, Upper Arm, And Hand.
- Over 95% Of Hip Fractures Are Caused By Falls, Which Can Result In Long-Term Functional Impairment, Nursing Home Admission, And Increased Mortality.
- Many People Who Fall, Even If They Are Not Injured, Develop A Fear Of Falling Which May Cause Them To Limit Their Activities, Leading To Reduced Mobility And Loss Of Physical Fitness.
- Lower Body Weakness
- Balance Problems
- Postural Dizziness
- Poor Vision
- Foot And Shoe Problems
- Certain Medications
- Advanced Age
- Fear Of Falling
- Home Hazards
What you can do to prevent falls?
- Regular Exercise That Focuses On Increasing Leg Strength And Improving Balance.
- Ask The Doctor Or Pharmacist To Review Current Medication – Both Prescription And Over-The-Counter – To Identify Those That May Cause Side Effects Or Interactions Such As Dizziness Or Drowsiness.
- Have Vision Checked By An Eye Doctor At Least Once A Year And Update Eyeglasses To Maximize Vision.
- Consider Getting A Pair With Single Vision Distance Lenses Activities Like Walking Outside.
- Make Sure Your Home Is Safe By Reducing Tripping Hazards, Adding Grab Bars Inside And Outside The Tub Or Shower And Next To The Toilet, Adding Rails On Both Sides Of Stairways, And Improving The Interior And Exterior Lighting.
Dizziness and vertigo are a large part of what we treat here at Physical Therapy. If you deal with dizziness and vertigo often, come in for diagnosis and treatment. Physical will keep you balanced and safe from the threat of falls.
The following are symptoms of dizziness and vertigo:
- Unsteadiness
- The Room Spins
- Sensation Of Moving While Being Still
- Loss Of Balance
- Sensation Of Falling
