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Balance/Fall
Prevention Training
At St. John's Mercy Sports & Therapy
In today's
community, one third of adults over age 65 fall each year, and another fifty
percent of those people fall repeatedly. Studies have proven that falls are
currently the most frequent cause of injury-related deaths in the United States.
Fortunately, falls are often predictable and, with appropriate planning and
precautionary measures, falls can be prevented.
At St. John's Mercy Sports & Therapy outpatient neurologic rehabilitation department,
we predict an individual's risk for falling through standardized balance assessments
along
with musculoskeletal
and functional mobility testing. Physical therapists evaluate a variety of
factors to determine the most effective strategies in eliminating or reducing
an individual's
falls.
First, an interview
is conducted to determine the person's history of falls or instability, relevant
medical history, cognitive and judgement abilities, and level of fear or anxiety
regarding falls. Other factors assessed include:
- Visual acuity
- Sensation
- Perception
- Muscle strength
- Flexibility
- Ability to walk on level
and unlevel surfaces
- Ability to stand up from
a chair
- Ability to perform activities
of daily living (bathing, dressing, etc.)
- Sitting and standing
balance
External risk factors may
also contribute to falls in a person's home environment. If appropriate, a home
safety evaluation may be performed and recommendations made to ensure safety
within the home.
Upon determining an individual's risk for falling, a treatment program is developed
and implemented. Treatment may consist of:
- Stretching, strengthening
and general conditioning
- Exercises to promote
postural stability in sitting and standing
- Training in the correct
use of a walking device (cane, walker, etc.)
- Improving the ability
to walk on a variety of surfaces
- Improving the ability
to stand up from a variety of surfaces
- Specific strategies to
prevent and recover from falls
Individuals also receive
footwear consultations and recommendations. If lower extremity bracing is necessary,
the physical therapist works together with the orthotist and physician in stabilizing
a specific joint or body part to reduce the risk of falls.
Balance-specific equipment is also utilized in the fall prevention program.
Our computerized Balance Master system assists in the evaluation of standing
balance and the treatment of balance deficits. Our Chattecx machine provides
a non-invasive evaluation of all three components of balance: the visual, vestibular,
and sensory systems. It, too, can be used in conjunction with habituation exercises
and other balance activities for complete balance/ vestibular rehabilitation.
Individuals appropriate for the Balance/ Fall Prevention Program are those who
experience falls, near falls, fear of falling, or instability during standing
or walking. The individual may or may not have a pre-existing condition or medical
diagnosis. A physician's referral is required for evaluation and treatment.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 314-881-4220.
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