Hip fracture, broken wrist, sprained ankles, broken pelvis—these are all injuries we have treated at Back to Sports Physical Therapy that occurred as the result of a fall. Falls are the leading cause of injury and deaths among older adults and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. Nationally, more than one third of adults age 65 and older fall each year. Not surprisingly, given our fast-moving lifestyle, falls are an even more common occurrence in New York City, particularly the Upper East Side. Fall rates and fall-related hip fractures are more than 20% higher in our neighborhood than the average New York City rate. Several factors contribute to falling: weakness, poor coordination, reduced vision, rushing and drug interaction. But there is hope and falling does not have to be a normal part of aging. Most of the factors that contribute to falls are modifiable, if not preventable:
Lower body strength can be greatly improved with a good exercise regimen, providing a strong base of support.
Our internal position sense, or proprioception, can also be greatly improved with practice.
Working to negotiate challenging obstacles, curbs and uneven surfaces improves coordination and control.
Maintaining regularly scheduled vision examinations helps identify issues with depth perception and the ability to judge
potential tripping hazards.
Keep current with physician consultations to review updated medication lists.
In some cases, falls can be related to inner ear deficiencies of the vestibular system, which give the brain information about proprioception. A deficiency in this system may result in vertigo, especially after turning the head or rolling. This can be checked during an exam by a physician or physical therapist and is often cured with a series of specific head movements and follow-up exercise program.
At Back to Sports, we treat balance deficiencies with a three-pronged approach: a thorough assessment, a home exercise prescription and individual training. An accurate balance assessment is crucial.
We have recently acquired the BIODEX Balance System SD™— a premier assessment tool that, in as short as 15 minutes, will generate a Fall Risk Assessment that will flag individuals who are at high risk for falls. Following the objective assessment, a plan is developed and implemented. Frequently the plan will include strengthening exercises, challenging balance tasks and/or a visit to the pool for aquatic therapy. Research in The Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy found individuals in pool programs improved their balance 30% faster than those working on land alone. Proactively attacking a balance deficit is the best way to prevent falls and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. For more information or to schedule an assessment, call 646.707.0400.
Back to Sports Physical Therapy has been invited to join the prestigious Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation Network, representing an important endorsement of our commitment to excellence at the 92nd Street Y.
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