FALL PREVENTION

Falls and a fear of falling can diminish your ability to lead a full and independent life. Although 1 in every 4 older adults falls each year, falling is not a part of normal aging. You have the power to reduce your risk of falls. A physical therapist in Mayfield Heights, OH can help you do so by:

• Assessing your risk for falling
• Designing an individualized plan for your fall-prevention needs
• Helping you make your home as safe as possible
• Educating you about the medical risk factors associated with falls
• Providing you with appropriate exercises and balance training
• Working with other health care professionals to address any underlying medical conditions that could increase your fall risk
• Providing you with recommendations on appropriate community programs

WHAT ARE FALLS?

A fall is defined as any event that leads to unplanned, unexpected contact with a supporting surface, such as the floor or a piece of furniture, that is not the result of a push or shove or the result of a medical event, such as a heart attack or fainting.

A near-fall is a stumble or loss of balance that would result in a fall if you were unable to catch yourself.

There are lots of factors that can increase your risk for falls, including:

• History of a previous fall
• Being female
• Having a sedentary lifestyle
• Being in overall poor health
• Recent hospitalization
• Advanced age
• Difficulty with walking or keeping your balance
• Leg weakness
• Becoming fatigued easily
• Limited flexibility
• Problems with your vision or skin (touch) sensation
• Getting dizzy when you stand up from sitting or lying down (orthostatic hypotension)
• Medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson disease, or Alzheimer disease
• Trouble with your memory and thinking
• Joint pain or arthritis
• Taking too many medications or taking certain types of medications
• Depression and/or anxiety
• Home hazards such as throw rugs, poor lighting, or a lack of handrails on stairs
• Inappropriate footwear
• Inappropriate use of a walker or a cane

The more risk factors you have, the greater your risk of falling.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

Unlike with other medical conditions, there is no single test that can predict a fall. Adults aged 65 years and older should be screened by their primary care provider on a yearly basis to help determine their risk for falling. Additionally, if you are worried about falling, have had a loss of balance, or have had a fall, you should see a physical therapist.

Contact us at Mayfield Physical Therapy in Mayfield Heights, OH to learn more about how you can reduce your risk of falling.

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