Afraid of Falling? Physical Therapy Is Here To Catch You

Afraid of Falling? Physical Therapy Is Here To Catch You

Marion, 74, was terrified of falling. (Note that her name has been changed.) She’d heard the statistics: Falls are a leading cause of injury among people over 60 and the second leading cause of injury deaths worldwide. And although she’d always been active, she found her balance changing as she grew older, which only deepened her fears.

Like many people, Marion didn’t realize that the fear of falling can also be debilitating. That fear kept her close to home. She didn’t spend as much time with friends and family, and her lifestyle was much less active than it had been ten years earlier—which actually increased her fall risk!

At Soleil Physical Therapy & Wellness Inc, we know falls can be frightening. But we also know that fall prevention training can help you face your fears and give you the confidence to live an active, healthy lifestyle, even into old age.

Understanding Your Fall Risk

Everyone’s fall risk is different. No single factor determines your likelihood of a fall; instead, it’s a complex blend of age, lifestyle choices, and health conditions. The more of these factors apply to you, the more likely you are to fall.

If you think you might be at a high risk of falling, don’t get scared—give us a call! Our team of physical therapists can assess your fall risk and provide you with a customized fall prevention plan that can lower the likelihood of a fall-related injury.

How Physical Therapy Can Keep You On Your Feet

A good fall prevention plan will address your specific fall risks. For example, someone who suffers from regular vertigo attacks would benefit from specialized therapy to address that issue. Meanwhile, someone with Parkinson’s disease doesn’t necessarily need to worry about dizziness but does need to address an impaired posture, balance, and gait.

Our therapists will work with you to decide which specific treatment options will be the right choice for your personal fall prevention plan. That said, there are some commonalities. Here are a few of the techniques we typically include:

No More Fear of Falling: Call Us Today!

A dedicated fall prevention plan from Soleil Physical Therapy & Wellness Inc can give you the confidence to age healthfully, no matter your fall risk.

Chair Yoga: A Fun, Gentle Approach to Balance and Fitness

You heard that Yoga is a great way to improve your balance—but when you went online to find resources, you discovered pages and pages of bendy athletes twisted into impossible positions. How could you possibly dream of getting started?

If this scenario rings true to you, don’t fear: Yoga is far more forgiving than social media would have you believe! In fact, there’s even a form of Yoga especially designed for people who struggle with balance and mobility: chair Yoga.

Simple Chair Yoga Postures To Get You Started

Cat/Cow

Start sitting in a sturdy chair with your feet firmly planted on the floor, hip-width apart. With your hands on your knees, breathe deeply in and arch your back, looking up to the ceiling. As you exhale, round your spine and drop your chin to your chest. Let the movements flow into each and repeat 5 times each.

Chair Side Stretch

Again, sit in your chair with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale deeply as you lift your right hand overhead, then bend gently to your left. Feeling off-balance? Steady yourself by stretching your left arm across your lap to grip your right thigh or the right side of the chair. Repeat on the other side.

Chair Pigeon

Sit upright in your chair, feet firmly planted. Gently cross your left ankle over your right thigh, flexing your left foot to protect your knee. You should feel a stretch in your left glute. If this is enough, stay here! If you’d like a deeper stretch, keep your spine straight and slowly hinge forward, leaning your chest forward over your legs. Hold for three seconds, then repeat on the other side.