More than one out of four older people (over 65) falls each year. Age is one of the key risk factors for falls. Falling even once increases your chances of falling again and an estimated 20% of falls results in a fracture. The most common fracture is a hip fracture.
Falls are also the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. Falls can even result in death – falls are the second leading cause of unintentional deaths globally. In fact, the largest number of fatal falls are in adults older than 60 years of age and the risk of falling increases with age.
Injuries from a fall can make it difficult for a person to get around, do everyday activities, or live on their own. As well, many people who fall develop a fear of falling and this fear may affect their participation in everyday activities. When a person is less active, they become weaker and, this in turn, increases their chances of falling again.
Risk Factors For Falling Include:
- Inactivity
- Lower body weakness
- Difficulties with walking and balance
- Underlying medical conditions such as neurological conditions (eg. Parkinson’s Disease, MS, peripheral neuropathy), a history of a head injury or stroke, cardiac problems, dementia or other disabling conditions (eg. arthritis, osteoporosis)
- Use of medicines, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, antidepressants or even some over the counter medications.
- Alcohol or substance use
- Vision problems
- Foot pain or poor footwear
- Unsafe environments
- Home hazards or dangers such as broken or uneven steps, throw rugs or clutter
Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling. The good news is that physiotherapy can help reduce these risk factors, thereby reducing the risk of falling.
Physiotherapy treatment for falls and balance
A Maplecare physiotherapist can evaluate your risk of falling and talk about the specific things you can do. They will do this by taking a detailed falls history, medication review and risk factor assessment. They will also do a physical examination which includes an assessment of gait, balance, strength, joint range of motion, neurological and cognitive function, footwear and, if in the home, an assessment of your home environment.
Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling. The good news is that physiotherapy can help reduce these risk factors, thereby reducing the risk of falling.
- lower extremity strengthening
- improving mobility
- balance retraining
- gait training
- development of a home exercise program (regular strength and balance exercises have been shown to be the most effective strategies in preventing a fall)
- education
- home assessment and modifications to ensure their environment is as safe as possible.
- footwear modification
- teaching clients how to get off the floor after a fall and call for help
Slip and Falls
In Canada winter brings icy driveways and walkways which increase the risk of slip and falls, regardless of your age. Injuries can range from mild ligament sprains to fractures (which may affect your mobility and independence) to concussions and other traumatic head injuries. If you hit your head or think you have broken a bone, it is important to go to see a doctor immediately.
Home treatment includes:
- ice
- elevation
- anti-inflammatories
- compression with a tensor wrap
- moving the affected area within the limits of your pain
Physiotherapy For Slips and Falls:
Physiotherapists play an important role in your care following a slip and fall injury. Physiotherapy treatment may include:
- concussion rehabilitation, helping to reduce headaches and dizziness
- electrical modalities, ice, acupuncture, Ultrasound, TENS to help with pain
- tissue massage
- bracing or taping
- strength and balance exercises to help you return to normal activities
