How Can Physiotherapy Help With Falls Prevention?
Statistics derived from studies and experience summarise the risk and results of a fall and therefore highlight the need for falls prevention action:
- 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 has at least one fall per year.
- The rates are higher in the 75 and over age group.
- 20-30% of fall sufferers report injuries that result in a decrease in mobility and independence.
Falls in or outside of the home impact people of all ages and backgrounds, however the elderly at are a particular risk as they lead to a decline in the health of the person involved and also an increased risk of hospitalisation. When a fall is assessed and examined after the incident, the affected person can suffer from injuries both physical (bruising, sprains and fractures) and psychological (a marked effect on physical self confidence and ability and independent living).
Physiotherapy can help not only the recovery process, but also act as a pre-emptive strike to future falls by educating the patient in the area of falls prevention. Whether you visit us in one of our five clinics or we come to visit and treat you in your home as a home visit, your Chartered Physiotherapist will treat and educate you in the following subjects:
- Areas of weakness/dysfunction
- Improving mobility
- Balance re-education
- Improving transfer ability – sit-to-stand, in/out of bed
- Stairs re-education
- Increasing muscle strength and stability
- Advice re external risk factors
This combination of treatment and training has been designed by our team to specifically target the aspects of day to day life which a fall may have an influence on such as:
- Decreased mobility
- Loss of independence
- Anxiety and loss of confidence
- Decreased ability to do simple daily tasks – up/down stairs, getting dressed, etc.