Preventative PT Helps Senior Citizens Avoid Falls

It’s usually no big deal when young people stumble, trip or fall. Most of them can stand up, brush themselves off and get on with things. It can be a whole different outcome when the same things happen to older adults. They’re vulnerable to injury because they’re less strong, flexible and coordinated. But physical therapy can help. 

Motion Dynamics Physical Therapy works with clients to establish the most efficient and expedient treatments to help them reach their goals. Our staff is dedicated to helping people recuperate, relieve pain, move smoothly and strengthen weakened muscles. 

Each year, almost 3,000,000 older Americans go to hospital emergency rooms due to stumbles, trips and falls, with 32,000 of them not surviving their accidents. Some of these folks fall and can’t get up. Others get knocked unconscious because they hit their heads on something hard during or after their fall. 

Many senior citizens—especially woman—develop osteoporosis, which arises when the bones become brittle and fragile, usually due to hormonal changes, or a deficiency of calcium or vitamin D. Physical therapy helps older adults avoid their increased risk of bone fractures. A fractured hip is especially dangerous, as it would require extended hospitalization and rehabilitation.

Balance training is the most important and effective part of falls prevention. People participate in exercises that are specific to their abilities. These therapies increase patients’ strength, equilibrium and overall walking function. The exercises also help patients try to right themselves when they’re about to lose their balance. The goal is to keep them upright and safe from harm. This is especially important for seniors who live alone.

Did you know that there are “correct” ways to fall? That means learning how to maneuver your body in ways that will minimize a fall’s impact. Knowing them could save your life. A physical therapist is the perfect person to teach this important physical tactic. There are also “correct” ways to get up after a fall. 

Other advantages of preventive care using physical therapy include improvements to a patient’s quality of life such as reduced pain, increased mobility, the reduced burden of disease and longer life expectancy.

The office of Motion Dynamics Physical Therapy is dedicated to your health and recovery. We coach our patients on how to return to regular activities carefully and promptly. Every patient is exclusive in his/her wants and needs. Our goal is to offer a clear description of your options and deliver the results you expect. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us today!

By Motion Dynamics Physical Therapy

November 29, 2023