The potential for falling is a constant threat in our daily lives.
From the wet spot on the bathroom floor to the pesky cat that is always underfoot, it is amazing we can make it through the day unscathed. While fall prevention is important for everybody, it is particularly important as we age and our balance, strength and mobility decrease.
10,000 Foot View
The threat is real, folks: in the US, 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 experience a fall each year. It is also a leading cause of fractures and injury-related deaths in this age group. In fact, falls for those over 65 account for about 60% of all Emergency Room visits each year. When do we lose the ability to safely get down to the ground? More importantly, can we relearn this skill?
The Movements
A strong ground game cannot be restored overnight – it will take many repetitions of purposeful movement. Retraining our ability to safely get down requires movements that are specific and build on intensity.
In an attempt to channel our inner toddler mobility, here is a daily movement practice that we utilize with the majority of our patients. All of these options can be performed with the use of upper body support on a secure surface.
Remember rule #1: No falls! Rule #2: Don’t break rule 1!
You don’t have to do all of these, pick one that works best for you:
Did you know you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral, no problem!
Thanks to recent regulatory changes,
This article was written by TJC-Skyline’s Dr. Dan Alcorn. Want more from Dr. Dan? Make sure to check out his blog!
