Fight the Fall! Understanding Fall Risk & Prevention
Nov 24, 2021
Email US
Click to Email Us
At FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers, fall prevention is the cornerstone of our mission; Balance is part of our name after all! The week of September 21st is the start of the fall season, but it also kicks off Fall Prevention Awareness Week. Each year we bring focus to this very important topic though our Fight the Fall! campaign.
We are offering FREE Fall Risk Assessments to identify individuals of all ages and conditions at risk of falling. In fact, as a national organization, FYZICAL is looking to set a record for the most Fall Risk Assessments conducted during Fall Prevention Awareness Week: September 21st-25th!
To set up your free screening, call your nearest FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center to request an appointment today!
Falls are preventable. If you or someone you know suffers from imbalance, keep in mind that early intervention is key. Falling is not an inevitable result of aging, and there are steps you can take to improve your balance and decrease the chances of falling. By identifying risk, future injuries can be prevented. Our skilled physical therapists will create a program specifically tailored to your needs, so you can begin your quest to regain your footing, your confidence, and your freedom. Together we can Fight the Fall!
What You Should Know About Fall Risk & Prevention
Just about everyone has experienced a fall at some point after losing their balance or tripping over an object. Although common, falls can be dangerous and lead to many types of injuries, some of them long-term or even fatal. Fortunately, the most common causes of falling are also preventable.
What happens in the body when we fall?
Falling occurs because the bodys balance has been disrupted. A persons body can maintain balance because the brain receives and interprets information from several different types of sources:1
Vision (from the eyes)
Proprioception (from the joints and muscles, which provide sense of touch)
Vestibular system (from the inner ear, which senses motion, equilibrium, and where we are in a physical space)
Based on this input, the brain sends information to different parts of the body to help maintain balance. Sometimes the different sources may send conflicting information. For example, have you ever gotten off of a treadmill, boat, or out of a moving car only to feel like you are still moving?
Most of the time, the brain can correct conflicting information to keep a person steady on their feet. Occasionally, however, a person may become off-balance and fall.
Falling is both common and dangerous.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than one out of four older people (those aged 65 and up) falls each year.2 Twenty percent of falls lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones or a head injury.
The CDC also has found:
More than 3 million older people are injured in falls and receive treatment in emergency departments each year.
At least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures each year. Of these hip fractures, 95 percent are caused by falling.
Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
Medical costs for falls in 2015 were more than $50 billion, with Medicare and Medicaid taking on 75 percent of these costs.
A person who falls once becomes more likely to fall again, especially at an older age.
People who have fallen in the past tend to become fearful of another fall, which can make them socially withdrawn or less
physically active, which actually increases the risk of falls.
What are the risks of falling?
The risk of falling increases with age, but falls can happen to anyone, at any time, for many different reasons. Most cases of falling involve several different causes or risk factors.3,4 Some of the more common types include:
Muscle weakness, especially in the legs
Lack of vitamin D
Trouble with walking or balance
Side effects of medications like sedatives, antidepressants, or cold medicine that can cause drowsiness or dizziness
Poor vision
Loss of hearing
Foot pain or improper footwear
Uneven flooring or stairs
Clutter in the home
Consumption of alcohol
Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or confusion
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Poor balance
Incontinence that causes frequent or urgent trips to the bathroom
Drop-in blood pressure
Walking on ice or wet floors
If you find that you are dizzy or otherwise losing your balance, dont ignore it. Its important to seek help as soon as balanceissues begin. A lot of people wait too long. But the longer you wait, the worse it can get.
How can physical therapy help prevent falls?
Improving your walking skills technically known as your gait and your balance are interrelated challenges. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we help you master these skills to decrease your risk of injury, while also increasing your confidence and independence.
Balance and gait are inextricably linked because they tend to impact one another. Therapy that improves gait and balance works to help keep the bodys different balance and movement systems functioning in harmony.
Gait and balance training has a range of benefits:
Avoiding injuries associated with falls or dizziness
Increased confidence with your footing and movement
Reduced pain from poor posture or gait
What happens in balance and gait training?
First, well evaluate your gait to determine potential problems with strength and posture. Simple movements to test balance are also part of the assessment. Together, these basic evaluations help us know what to focus on in terms of therapy.
Hip and ankle weakness often leads to balance problems, as does poor posture. Strength and flexibility movements can help counteract these problems. These are often as simple as leg lifts while seated in a chair, or knee marching. We may also practice standing on one leg, walking heel-to-toe, or tracking the movement of your thumb with your eyes as you move it in various positions.
The team at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers knows how important balance and walking are for independent living, as well as for work activities, exercise, sports, and enjoying life in general.
We offer the following programs and therapies to help reduce the risk of falls:
Assessment and Evaluation Programs
Difficulty Walking
Gait Training and Balance Programs
Fall Prevention and Balance Retraining
Manual Therapy
Fitness and Wellness Programs
Vestibular Rehab
Functional Training
Other Articles You May Like
Understanding Your Digital Footprint
Digital what? Footprint? You may be thinking thats what you leave behind at the beach. While that may be correct, it is also what you leave behind every time you provide your email, set up a new online account, or allow your data to be tracked. Your digital footprint is the trail you leave behind with Location services on your phone. It is the data you leave behind when commenting on Aunt Sallys Facebook page, sharing your familys vacation pictures on Instagram, or traipsing around the internet to various sites looking for that cute Lladro figurine your mother wanted for Christmas. All of it tells something about you whether you realized it was happening or not.Most of the time, the sharing of your data what you do, how you do it, etc. may not be a big deal. Or is it? The reality is that your data supports big business every day. It is collected, bought and sold (mostly without your knowledge) by data brokers (i.e., Acxiom, Epsilon), credit and identity bureaus (i.e., Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), and Big Tech Companies (i.e., Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Apple) that share your data with their partners and ad networks.The danger to you is when there is a data breach at one of the many sites that has your data and your data is captured and posted on the dark web. This enables nefarious characters to better target you for scams and potentially steal your identity. Call Lily in the Details today 941-237-0157 and schedule Understanding Your Digital Footprint, Navigating the Online World Safely and Wisely for your community.
Serving America and our community
By Dr. David RiceSouthwest Florida is home to more than 100,000 veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.They own homes, manage businesses and pay taxes here. They volunteer at local nonprofits and donate to local causes. They are the core of our community.Nearly every day, at least one veteran walks into Advocate Radiation Oncology for treatment. Cancer impacts people from every background, including veterans. Even the most hardened veterans struggle with a cancer diagnosis, which is understandable; no one is invincible and cancer generates a wave of emotions shock, anxiety, frustration, fear and stress.Over the years, veterans in Charlotte and Sarasota counties have found an ally inside the treatment room Dr. Brian Lawenda. A board-certified, Harvard-trained physician who completed medical school at Temple University, Lawenda has all the credentials to help a patient feel confident that they're in good hands, medically speaking. Then they find out something else about their physician. He is a veteran, too, having served this country 13 years with the U.S. Navy and attaining the rank of commander."When I enlisted, I took an oath to serve this country and uphold the U.S. Constitution," Lawenda said. "When I became a doctor, I pledged to dedicate my practice to patients and the community I serve, and it's especially gratifying when those patients are fellow veterans."The best doctors don't just treat symptoms; they connect with patients, usually through shared experiences they're from the same state, cheer for the same sports team or attended the same university. Lawenda's military experience helps create an instant doctor-patient bond that continues during treatment and beyond. In fact, Lawenda has become the region's go-to radiation oncologist for veterans, not just Navy veterans, but those who have admirably served across all six branches of the military."When he told me he served in the Navy, it gave me comfort," said Ret. Command Master Chief Scott Fusco, a North Port resident who recently completed prostate cancer treatments at Advocate. "I had absolute trust in him from that point on."Lawenda wasn't the only veteran on Fusco's care team, either. His urologist also served in the Navy and referred Fusco to Dr. Lawenda for treatment."We served at different times and places, but we're all part of the same team," Fusco said. "They've been there, done that, just like me. There is instant respect, instant trust."Lawenda, who sees patients at Advocate's cancer treatment centers in Port Charlotte and Venice, specializes in the treatment of prostate, lung, breast, head and neck, rectal, liver, bone, cervical and other types of cancers. Although Lawenda doesn't technically specialize in the treatment of veterans, he is especially proud to support patients like Fusco on their cancer journey."A veteran may retire or end their military service, but he or she will never stop serving this country and their community," Lawenda said. "Being able to help local veterans beat cancer is extremely gratifying and certainly rewarding. The military is a brotherhood and a sisterhood, and I'll continue fighting for my brothers and sisters."About the AuthorDr. David Rice is a board-certified radiation oncologist who sees patients through Advocate Radiation Oncologys cancer treatment centers in Port Charlotte and Venice. Visit AdvocateRO.com for more information.
Holiday Visits: Prepare the Home, Protect Your Peace
A warm welcome doesn't require a perfect house. Whether family is coming for an afternoon or staying a few nights, a little planning now can make holiday gatherings more comfortable for everyone.1. Have the conversation earlyConfirm dates, overnight arrangements, food preferences, and any mobility needs. Let guests know what works for you, including visit length and quiet time.2. Create a comfortable place to landFresh linens, a clear bedside surface, and an easy-to-reach lamp can make a guest space feel welcoming. No guest room? Agree on sleeping arrangements ahead of time.3. Make movement easierClear hallways and stairs, secure or remove loose rugs, and check lighting between sleeping areas and bathrooms. Keep frequently used items within comfortable reach.4. Put safety before tidinessStore medications securely, especially when children are visiting. Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions, and keep exits clear.5. Share the hostingInvite family to bring a dish, help with cleanup, or organize an activity. Keep meals simple and make room for breaks. Being together matters more than doing everything yourself.6. Make space for connectionSet out a few family photos, plan a favorite game, or ask guests to share a memory. Often, the simplest traditions are the ones everyone remembers.
Local Services By This Author
FYZICAL
Rehabilitation Services , Sarasota, Florida, 00000We are much more than your typical physical therapy clinic. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we focus on improving your quality of life by using a holistic, whole-body approach toconnectyour diagnosiswith acustomizedplan of care.FYZICAL therapists are experts in the art and science of the evaluation and treatment of the human body. We care for people of all ages and treat a variety of muscle, joint and neurological conditions.In addition to using the most relevant therapeutic techniques and state-of-the-art technology, effective communication is a key component for successful, efficientrecovery. We make sure you fully understand why you are experiencing your symptoms, what is the recommended treatment program, and how to prevent pain or dysfunction from happening in the future.The comprehensiveevaluationand wellness programs at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers will help youachievethe pinnacle of healthy living, expand your boundaries and feel better. Our highly skilled therapy providers are 100% focused onyouroptimal health so you can Love Your Life!Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte County Office Locations:FYZICAL Ellenton2990 US-301 N, Ellenton, FL, 34222(941) 721-1854 (941) 721-1859 [email protected] of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL Bradenton Central5211 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL, 34209(941) 749-1734 [email protected] of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL University Parkway2401 University Parkway, Suite 103, Sarasota, FL, 34243(941) 444-5970 (941) 444-5971 [email protected] of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL South Sarasota5980 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34231(941) 894-6848 (941) 263-7491 [email protected] of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 7:20am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 7:20am - 4:20pm Fri 8am - 4:20pm Sat By Appointment Only Sun ClosedFYZICAL Venice2203 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL, 34293(941) 408-0670 (941) 408-0160 [email protected] of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedLee & Collier County Office Locations:FYZICAL North Fort Myers16251 N. Cleveland Ave. Suite #3, North Fort Myers, FL 33903Phone: 239-731-6222 Fax:239-731-6555FYZICAL West Fort Myers15620 McGregor Blvd. Suite 115, Fort Myers 33966Phone: 239-561-5616 Fax:239-561-0345FYZICAL East Fort Myers10676 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 33913Phone: 239-465-4880 Fax: 239-465-4604FYZICAL Northeast Naples7740 Preserve Lane Suite #5, Naples 34119Phone: 239-227-2297 Fax:239-228-4878FYZICAL East Naples12250 Tamiami Trail E. Suite 102, Naples 34113Phone: 239-417-0027 Fax:239-417-0041FYZICAL Bonita Springs25241 Elementary Way, Suite 200, Bonita Springs 34145Phone: 239-947-4184 Fax:239-947-4171
FYZICAL
Mobility Assessments , Sarasota, Florida,We are much more than your typical physical therapy clinic. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we focus on improving your quality of life by using a holistic, whole-body approach toconnectyour diagnosiswith acustomizedplan of care.FYZICAL therapists are experts in the art and science of the evaluation and treatment of the human body. We care for people of all ages and treat a variety of muscle, joint and neurological conditions.In addition to using the most relevant therapeutic techniques and state-of-the-art technology, effective communication is a key component for successful, efficientrecovery. We make sure you fully understand why you are experiencing your symptoms, what is the recommended treatment program, and how to prevent pain or dysfunction from happening in the future.The comprehensiveevaluationand wellness programs at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers will help youachievethe pinnacle of healthy living, expand your boundaries and feel better. Our highly skilled therapy providers are 100% focused onyouroptimal health so you can Love Your Life!FYZICAL Ellenton2990 US-301 N, Ellenton, FL, 34222(941) 721-1854 (941) 721-1859 [email protected] Hours of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL Bradenton Central5211 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL, 34209(941) 749-1734 [email protected] Hours of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL University Parkway2401 University Parkway, Suite 103, Sarasota, FL, 34243(941) 444-5970 (941) 444-5971 [email protected] of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL South Sarasota5980 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34231(941) 894-6848 (941) 263-7491 [email protected] Hours of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 7:20am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 7:20am - 4:20pm Fri 8am - 4:20pm Sat By Appointment Only Sun ClosedFYZICAL Venice2203 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL, 34293(941) 408-0670 (941) 408-0160 [email protected] Hours of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedLee & Collier County Office Locations:FYZICAL North Fort Myers16251 N. Cleveland Ave. Suite #3, North Fort Myers, FL 33903Phone: 239-731-6222 Fax:239-731-6555FYZICAL West Fort Myers15620 McGregor Blvd. Suite 115, Fort Myers 33966Phone: 239-561-5616 Fax:239-561-0345FYZICAL East Fort Myers10676 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 33913Phone: 239-465-4880 Fax: 239-465-4604FYZICAL Northeast Naples7740 Preserve Lane Suite #5, Naples 34119Phone: 239-227-2297 Fax:239-228-4878FYZICAL East Naples12250 Tamiami Trail E. Suite 102, Naples 34113Phone: 239-417-0027 Fax:239-417-0041FYZICAL Bonita Springs25241 Elementary Way, Suite 200, Bonita Springs 34145Phone: 239-947-4184 Fax:239-947-4171
FYZICAL
Physical Therapy , Sarasota, Florida, 00000We are much more than your typical physical therapy clinic. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we focus on improving your quality of life by using a holistic, whole-body approach toconnectyour diagnosiswith acustomizedplan of care.FYZICAL therapists are experts in the art and science of the evaluation and treatment of the human body. We care for people of all ages and treat a variety of muscle, joint and neurological conditions.In addition to using the most relevant therapeutic techniques and state-of-the-art technology, effective communication is a key component for successful, efficientrecovery. We make sure you fully understand why you are experiencing your symptoms, what is the recommended treatment program, and how to prevent pain or dysfunction from happening in the future.The comprehensiveevaluationand wellness programs at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers will help youachievethe pinnacle of healthy living, expand your boundaries and feel better. Our highly skilled therapy providers are 100% focused onyouroptimal health so you can Love Your Life!Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte County Office Locations:FYZICAL Ellenton2990 US-301 N, Ellenton, FL, 34222(941) 721-1854 (941) 721-1859 [email protected] of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL Bradenton Central5211 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL, 34209(941) 749-1734 [email protected] of Operations Mon 7:20am - 6pm Tue 7:20am - 3pm Wed 7:20am - 6pm Thu 7:20am - 6pm Fri 7:20am - 6pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL University Parkway2401 University Parkway, Suite 103, Sarasota, FL, 34243(941) 444-5970 (941) 444-5971 [email protected] of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedFYZICAL South Sarasota5980 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34231(941) 894-6848 (941) 263-7491 [email protected] of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 7:20am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 7:20am - 4:20pm Fri 8am - 4:20pm Sat By Appointment Only Sun ClosedFYZICAL Venice2203 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL, 34293(941) 408-0670 (941) 408-0160 [email protected] of OperationsMon 8am - 5pm Tue 8am - 5pm Wed 8am - 5pm Thu 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 5pm Sat Closed Sun ClosedLee & Collier County Office Locations:FYZICAL North Fort Myers16251 N. Cleveland Ave. Suite #3, North Fort Myers, FL 33903Phone: 239-731-6222 Fax:239-731-6555FYZICAL West Fort Myers15620 McGregor Blvd. Suite 115, Fort Myers 33966Phone: 239-561-5616 Fax:239-561-0345FYZICAL East Fort Myers10676 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 33913Phone: 239-465-4880 Fax: 239-465-4604FYZICAL Northeast Naples7740 Preserve Lane Suite #5, Naples 34119Phone: 239-227-2297 Fax:239-228-4878FYZICAL East Naples12250 Tamiami Trail E. Suite 102, Naples 34113Phone: 239-417-0027 Fax:239-417-0041FYZICAL Bonita Springs25241 Elementary Way, Suite 200, Bonita Springs 34145Phone: 239-947-4184 Fax:239-947-4171