Lifestyle Physio Cronulla Blog

Better understanding Falls Prevention

As we age, falls can become common and have sometimes, devastating consequences.  Physiotherapists play a crucial role in preventing these falls and therefore help to alleviate the burden they cause on our health system.

Many studies have been done on the impact of falls, and the interventions that work. Here we will have a look at some of them, and why they work.

Function.

There are many systems involved in keeping us upright. We need to be able to see the environment around us. Are there changes in surface? We need proprioception (to know where the body is in space), strength AND reaction time. All of these functions can be affected by ageing, reduced physical activity levels, infections/illness and also medications.

Physiotherapists can provide aids when these systems aren’t working sufficiently. Alternatively (or as well as) we can teach compensatory strategies. We aim to assess if a patient is capable of rehabilitation or needs to learn some compensations.

Environment.

It is important that we understand the context of the falls. Are they occurring in a challenging environment? An environment that would cause even a strong, fit, younger individual to fall? Or are they occurring in a controlled, unchallenging environment such as walking across the lounge room?

Again this information will help us to decide if rehabilitation or compensation (aids) is the best course of treatment.

Behaviour.

Do you take risks or err on the side of caution? People decide how to undertake a task. You need your gutters cleaned, do you get the ladder out or do you call someone to help? A person’s understanding of their physical capacity impacts their decisions.

In almost all physio treatment sessions there will be a level of education involved. Educating our falls risk population of their physical capacities is an important step in providing intervention.

Prediction.

There are many tools available to assist in predicting falls risk. Some of these are questionnaires, simple quizzes or physical capacity tests. Using these and performing a physical assessment/interview allows physios to create an effective treatment plan.

Prevention is key to avoid injury and ultimately loss of independence.

Do you know anyone who would benefit from an assessment, some advice or would enjoy some falls prevention exercise?

#physiocronulla #fallsprevention #loveyourlife

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