Preventing Fall for Elders
Speaking of old age, we are essentially referring to people over 65 years of age. The frequency of falls increases with age and usually leads to some serious injury, such as a fracture, which often leads to disability and loss of independence of the patient.
A fall can be the result of various factors such as:
- Neurological diseases. Regarding the central nervous system: Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, strokes, cerebellar diseases, seizures, spinal cord diseases, etc. Regarding the peripheral nervous system: peripheral neuropathy (a common cause is diabetes mellitus), spine diseases, etc.
- Psychological disorders (panic attacks, phobias, etc.)
- Cardiovascular disorders (arrhythmias, hypotension, etc.)
- Anemia
- Malignant neoplasms
- Arthritis
- After surgeries
- After musculoskeletal injuries
- Chronic underlying dizziness
- Vision and/or hearing impairments
- Deficient nutrition
- Side effects or drug interactions
- Poor environmental ergonomics (uneven surfaces, slippery surfaces, weather conditions, etc.)
- Muscle weakness
- Pain
The role of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can help prevent and avoid falls with special exercise programs for older people. In our physical therapy clinic, we perform specific clinical tests that identify the severity of fall risk and then implement therapeutic programs of strength, balance, proprioception and coordination of movements to improve the physical condition and functionality of the older person. In addition, we provide advice on creating a safe living environment, such as removing obstacles at home and using walking aids indoors and outdoors.Exercise programs can be individual or group. Physiotherapy proves to be particularly effective both at the stage of preventing falls and at the stages of rehabilitation and recovery after a fall.