Fall and Balance Evaluation and Treatment
Every year, 1 in 3 adults 65 years or older falls. The risk of falling increases with each decade. For older adults, long-term consequences of falls such as hip fractures, traumatic brain injury, and fear of falling can significantly decrease quality of life and independent living.
The most common risks for falls include history of falls, gait and balance impairment, peripheral neuropathy, vestibular dysfunction, muscle weakness, visual impairment, medical illness, advanced age, orthostatic hypotension, dementia, multiple prescription medications, and poor footwear. A skilled physical therapy screen/evaluation can help identify an individual’s personal risk for falls and imbalance and create an individualized treatment program to improve stability and decrease fall-related injury.
In our outpatient rehabilitation clinics, our licensed physical therapists are experienced in treating balance and gait impairments.
Your detailed evaluation includes an assessment of:
- Visual impairments
- Sensation loss in the legs
- Vestibular system dysfunction
- Leg strength
- Static and dynamic balance based on age-matched norms
- Stability on stairs
- Walking safety over and around obstacles and with head movements
Our targeted treatment program includes:
- Balance training
- Core and leg strengthening
- Stability training
- Flexibility training
- Functional activity and transfer training
- Specific walking training based on individual deficits found during evaluation
- Education on strategies to improve safety at home and in the community
Fall prevention
As we age, fall prevention should be a high priority in avoiding injury and continuing an active healthy lifestyle. Most falls can be prevented through proper patient evaluation and education.
Our physical therapists will conduct a thorough evaluation, by appointment only, using outcome scales that help identify your risk of falling, and work with you to develop a personalized plan of care and a home exercise program. To make an appointment for a fall evaluation, call Rehabilitation Services at Edward at 630-527-3375 or at Elmhurst at 331-221-6050.