Do you find it hard to keep your balance?
A fall prevention program might be just what you need!
Have you ever worried about injuring yourself if you fall? Maybe you’ve felt unsteady while walking, or unsure when navigating stairs or stepping off curbs. Perhaps you’ve grabbed a railing or furniture to steady yourself after a stumble. If so, a fall prevention program at APEX Physical Therapy in Brighton, MI could benefit you.
Book OnlineFalls are the top cause of injuries—both fatal and nonfatal—in adults over 65. But here’s the good news: most falls can be prevented with the right support. Unfortunately, many only focus on their balance after a fall has happened.
Fall risks affect many seniors, and even without injury, a fall can limit your ability to stay active and independent. It can shake your confidence in everyday activities at home and around town.
Exercise programs designed for fall prevention not only reduce the chance of falling but also lessen injuries from falls. Our skilled physical therapists create personalized programs tailored to your unique needs and abilities.
If you’re worried about falling, please reach out to APEX Physical Therapy today to learn about our fall prevention options.
Common factors that increase fall risk
Some people have a higher chance of falling. Here are common risk factors:
- Muscle weakness or fatigue
- Poor overall fitness or health
- Previous falls
- Advanced age
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Heart conditions or history of stroke or heart attack
- Arthritis or joint replacements
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s)
- Vision problems
Our programs are designed to meet your specific needs. A caring physical therapist will review your health history and conduct a detailed evaluation to spot risk factors. Then, they’ll guide you on how to improve your function and lower your fall risk.
What to expect from a fall prevention program in Brighton, MI
Your first visit at APEX Physical Therapy includes a thorough assessment of your range of motion, strength, and mobility. We may also check your vision, walking pattern, balance, and coordination.
From this evaluation, we identify the causes of your fall risk and create a treatment plan to tackle those issues. We use proven, research-backed methods tailored just for you.
Our fall prevention program includes:
Strengthening exercises
Our therapists develop strength training routines targeting weak muscle groups to boost your mobility and help you recover better if you fall.
Studies consistently show strength training is a key part of preventing falls and reducing injury severity. We tailor exercises to improve both your balance while standing and your walking stability.
Balance exercises, like standing on one leg, are common and serve as both tests and treatments you can do at home.
Your therapist will customize balance exercises based on your abilities, addressing both static and dynamic balance to keep your daily activities safe.
We may include obstacles or distractions during training to prepare you for unexpected situations—no matter your challenges, we can build the right program for you.
Pain management
Pain can affect your stability and make you unsteady. Identifying and treating pain early reduces your fall risk.
Our evaluation finds the root cause of any pain, and we develop a plan to ease or eliminate it promptly.
Coordination training
Training your nervous system to respond to changes in your environment helps reduce falls. Our therapists use modern techniques to maximize your physical potential so you can enjoy your favorite activities safely.
Gait training
No fall prevention program is complete without gait training. This might involve learning to use a walker or cane correctly or practicing walking on uneven surfaces.
We assess your walking and overall movement before designing your plan to keep you safe while challenging your abilities.
Exercises may include walking in circles or navigating obstacle courses aimed at improving your balance and reducing fall risk.
