Reducing Your Fall Risk

Falls are a major source of injury in elderly people. Approximately 30% of individuals over 65 years of age fall at least once per year, and about half of these people fall recurrently. Over 90% of hip fractures are from falls. In 20% of females, hip fracture is fatal with an additional 20% never regaining the ability to walk without assistance. The current total cost of hip fractures in the US is estimated to be approximately $20 billion annually.

Prevention is the key component of any program designed to reduce the problems associated with hip fracture. Medical research has proven that specific exercise programs function as a useful tool in the prevention of falls in older adults. In response to this need locally, COAST Physical Therapy has developed an exercise program that includes both exercise and education to assist in the prevention of falls. This program aims to address functional impairments identified in the functional testing battery such as strength, endurance, power, increasing overall muscle mass, coordination, static and dynamic balance deficits, reaction time, and stepping reaction. These impairments and functional limitations are identified individually through the completion of the battery of functional tests performed at the initial evaluation.

To get started on your individualized exercise program to reduce your risk of falling, call COAST Physical Therapy today at 315.253.3291.