Falls Prevention
Falls at home are responsible for a majority of hospital visits by elderly people. Poor balance and posture, low vision, dizziness and several other reasons can be a major cause of falls. There are solutions to this common problem. WorkStrong Physiotherapy can help you correct weaknesses in your body that contribute to falls and strengthen you to reduce the risk of it happening.
As you get older, the thought of exercising may be very intimidating. However, you are never too old to begin exercising, and we often observe that patient actually start to like regular exercise. We can design a program that takes into account your physical condition, needs and lifestyle. Gentle stretches and yoga poses are perfect for the elderly and help get rid of joint pain, improve balance and posture, thereby reducing the risks of falls.
Weight training is equally important for the elderly as it helps to strengthen weak bones and give better support to the muscles. Strong arm and leg muscles help to counteract poor posture and gait abnormalities. You will find yourself being able to take the stairs instead of the elevator, carry parcels and open your door while maintaining your balance. If you do need a walking aid, you will be able to use it more efficiently.
Workstrong Physiotherapy has the latest state of the art exercise equipment in its Rehabilitation Gym space to assist older clients.
We also offer balance training on uneven surfaces and educate you on the right type of footwear. Many older people fall while wearing soft slippers on smooth floors or flip flops on wet or grassy surfaces. If you must cover your feet while indoors it is better to wear socks that have grips on the bottom. Also, remove rugs, electrical cords and other clutter that may cause you to trip. And don’t neglect proper lighting. Many falls occur at night in a bathroom that is not properly lit.
As you can see a lot can be done to minimise fall risks, so do not wait until something happens. Contact us today.