The risk of falling and sustaining a fall related injury increases with age. Evidence based fall prevention can reduce serious fall-related injuries, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and functional decline.
- 50% of persons over age 65 who fall once will fall a second time in that same year.
- Falls are the leading cause of injury and accidental death in those over the age of 85.
- In 2005, 15,800 people 65 and older died from injuries related to unintentional falls.
- About 1.8 million people 65 and older were treated in ER’s for injuries sustained from falls (CDC 2008).
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Risk Factors
- Older age
- Cognitive problems
- Muscle weakness
- A history of falls
- Medical conditions such as Parkinsons, diabetes, arthritis, stroke, walking problems, fear of falling.
At MLPT we evaluate and assess the following aspects of your fall risk profile:
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- History of Falls
- Medical History
- Medications
- Strength
- Gait
- Balance
- Vestibular testing
- Review your home environment for fall hazards
- Force plate balance analysis using Biodex SD and HUMAC NORM for diagnosis and treatment of fall risk and balance disorders
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Based on the results of your initial evaluation your therapist will provide you with an evidence based exercise program that gradually increases in complexity by combining aspects of the following.
- Strengthening exercises
- Complex training for perception balance and strength
- Flexibility exercises
- Gait training
- Patient education safety awareness
- Transfer exercises
- Balance exercises
- Vestibular training
- Home exercise program