Most falls are caused by the interaction of multiple risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their risk of falling. Healthcare providers, such as a physical therapist, can help lower a person’s risk of falling.
Risk Factors associated with falls include:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Older age
- Muscle weakness
- History of falls
- Medical conditions (diabetes, arthritis, stroke, fear, peripheral neuropathy (HERE), difficulties walking)
-
-
-
-
-
-
According to the CDC, more than 1/3 of adults 65 and older fall each year in the U.S. Balance can improve no matter how old you may be, but it takes work. Falls are not a normal part of aging, but they are a leading cause of injury and accidental death among seniors.
The body maintains balance with sensory information from three systems:
- Visual: information about the position and motion of the head with respect to surrounding objects.
- Vestibular (inner ear): information about the position and movement of the head with respect to gravity.
- Somatosensory (touch sensors in the feet, trunk, and spine): information about the position and motion of the body with respect to the supporting surface.
Sensory input from these three systems is processed by the brain stem and messages are sent to the eyes and muscles in order to maintain steady vision, posture, and balance.
Our vestibular/balance rehabilitation process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the patient with the physical therapist assessing muscle strength, flexibility, standing balance, walking balance, vision and visual motor skills, motion sensitivity, sensation, coordination, and a benign paroxysmal positional vertigo assessment if appropriate. If a patient is suspected to have vertigo they will complain of a spinning sensation (the perception of their self or their surroundings moving/whirling) and will be assessed with canalith repositioning maneuvers.
Exciting New Developments in Balance Using State-Of-The-ART Technology:
Hayes Physical Therapy, is 1 of 3 medical providers in the state of PA to offer The Neubie by Neufit.
The Neubie by Neufit, uses DC electrical energy to find and restore disconnects in your nervous system which may be creating pain, numbness, tingling, loss of strength and balance. This modality provides sensory input directly to the nervous system, via foot/hand baths, electric glove work and more, restoring pathways damaged by the aging process, injury, diabetes, chemotherapy and more.
Balance and The Neubie: With this technology, we are able to facilitate changes to your vestibular-cochlear nerve (cranial nerve 8) located directly behind your ears. Using the Neubie, we are able to find the disconnect in your balance, and work with your nervous system to restore these pathways, while performing various balance exercises! For more information, www,chayespt.com/neufit-neubie
If you or someone you know are concerned about your balance or your risk of falling, please contact Hayes Physical Therapy to schedule your evaluation today!
For more information you can visit https://vestibular.org/
