Fall Prevention and Balance Therapy

Falls are Costly…

Those who present with balance problems can pay a significant physical and financial cost should they fall. Falls are associated with 70% of accidental deaths in persons more than 75 years of age. Up to 40% of individuals over age 65 fall every year. Falls are the most common cause for hospital emergency visits in the elderly. Falls account for more than $16 billion in direct medical costs.

Falls are Multi-factorial…

Most falls are a result of a combination of factors that can be related to the accumulated effects of impaired postural stability, physical weakness, neurological problems, chronic medical conditions, vestibular disorders, and environmental factors. Certain drugs and their interactions with each other can also contribute to dizziness and a loss of balance. Many of these causes can be eliminated or diminished with a fall prevention and balance program. It is important that you see your physician first so that the cause of any dizziness can be determined.

Studies Demonstrate the Effectiveness
of Strength and Balance Training…

Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of exercise and balance training in reducing the incidence of falls. Balance programs can be a cost-effective means of providing a higher quality of life. Our goal is to prevent more serious life-threatening injuries from occurring and allowing individuals to live fuller and richer lives.

Our Program Takes a Positive Step in Reducing Falls…

Our comprehensive program is designed to reduce the incidence of falls. After a thorough evaluation that looks at an individual's strength, mobility, vestibular function, neurological status, and balance capabilities, a personalized program is established. A typical program will include:

• Range of motion and strengthening exercises especially for lower extremities and trunk.
• Static and dynamic balance activities to improve somatosensory responses.
• Visual/vestibular exercises to reduce complaints of dizziness.
• Analyzing environmental factors in the home that can be changed to lessen the risks of falling.