Fall Prevention/After a Fall
Need physiotherapy but can’t get to a clinic? We bring the clinic to you.
Falling is a multi-factorial problem. Falls can occur do to one or a combination of the following:
Changes in physical abilities
About 24% of falls are related to physical factors (poor strength, poor balance, etc…)
Environmental factors
About 16-27% of falls are related to environmental factors (tripping over a rug, fall on a slippery surface, etc…) and
Cognitive/behavioral factors – (rushing when performing a transfer, not paying attention to surroundings)
Having many factors that can lead to a fall means that there are many ways we can intervene and prevent a fall.
Risk factors
Inactivity
Inactivity leads to a loss of your physical abilities and is one of the major risk factors. You need to “use it or lose it”.
Falls
Someone who has had a fall in the past is at risk of having another fall. If you have had a fall it is important to speak with your health care professionals to identify the cause of your fall in order to prevent one in the future.
Changes in cognitive abilities
The best way to prevent a fall is to identify your risk factors and adjust accordingly. Changes in a person’s cognitive abilities may alter their ability to make safe decision.
Click here to read an article about how the fear of falling can actually increase your risk of falling
What does a physiotherapist look for?
Physiotherapists are trained to evaluate movement. We are the part of the team that can help identify changes in your physical abilities that put you at risk of falling such as:
Changes in your strength, balance, mobility and ability to walk
Environment – We will assess your home and surrounding area for potential environmental risks
- Obstacles in your home (loose rugs, loose wires, etc…)
- Poor lighting (too much or not enough)
- Slippery surfaces (bathrooms)
Changes in your cognitive abilities and/or decision making
- Are you aware of your limitations or do you try to do more than you are able
- Do you rush when performing transfers
- Are you well positioned before standing up or sitting down
How can a physiotherapist help?
After we identify your specific risk factors your physiotherapist will set out an action plan that will reduce these factors
Increasing Strength, improving balance, mobility and your ability to walk
Environment – We will identify and point out environmental risk factors that you need to be aware of and make suggestions as to how you can best navigate it.
Often times we will refer you to an occupational therapist as they are trained to assess the safety of your environment and have the knowledge and tools of what adjustments can be made.
Changes in your cognitive abilities and/or decision making
We will identify and point out any of your behaviors that put you at risk of falling and educate you on how to properly and safely perform these activities.
Do we have the necessary equipment like a table, TENS machine, etc.?
YES WE DO. We bring all the required tools with us.
Do we provide receipts for insurance and income tax purposes?
YES, WE DO. We have a computerized system for record keeping, and we provide all the necessary documents.
Do our therapists have physiotherapy licenses?
YES, THEY DO. All our therapists are licenced with the OPPQ and keep up to date with continuing education courses.
Are our services affordable?
YES, THEY ARE. We have reasonable fees to make it possible for more people to have access to our services.
How many sessions will I need?
DEPENDS ON YOUR EVALUATION. Once your evaluation is completed we will create a treatment plan that is unique to your situation.