BALANCE & FALLS PREVENTION EXERCISE PROGRAMS IN DON MILLS & NORTH YORK
At Physiomobility clinic we offer a exercise & education programs to increase muscle strength & joint mobility, improve balance and prevent falls & fractures.
People aged 60 and over have a higher risk of fractures due to more frequent falls. Every year, about 40% of people over 65 falls at least once. Avoiding falls means fewer fractures, especially hip fractures. People with better posture, better balance, and stronger muscles are less likely to fall and are therefore less likely to be injured.
Tailored exercise programs can be performed individually or in a small group to make it a social activity also to improve physical health & functional abilities, boost confidence and minimize the risk of falling. It all starts with you wanting to live a life without fear of falling.
Click on links below to learn about balance & falls prevention and how to address them:
- What are the most common causes and risk factors for falls?
- How do I know if I am at risk for falls?
- What are the benefits of balance exercise program?
- Do I need a referral from my doctor to join the balance exercise program?
- How balance & strength training prevents falls in elderly
- What can I do to prevent falls?
- What is the balance & fall prevention program offered by Physiomobility?
- How do I sign up for Balance & Falls Prevention Program at Physiomobility?
Most common causes and risk factors for falls
Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling. No matter what causes loss of balance and fall, the real problem is developing a fear of losing balance and fall and injury. Once the cause of the fall is identified, a program will be designed to address the cause and prevent falls and fractures.
- Poor balance
- Dizziness related to inner ear disorders such as Vertigo, inner ear weakness, and BPPV
- Leg & postural & core muscle weakness
- Having experienced a fall
- Taking many different medications such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance
- Dizziness due to medication
- Having chronic diseases or health conditions such as diabetes
- Having arthritis, especially in hips, knees and ankles
- Foot pain or neuropathies that affect sensation
- Problems with vision
- Changes in blood pressure or heart rate
- Wrong type or poor fitting of walking aids (cane or walker)
- Bowel or bladder incontinence
- A hazardous environment such as loose rugs and poor lighting
How do I know if I am at risk for falls?
There are two simple tests that you can perform at home to assess your fall risk. People between 60-80 are typically able to stand on one leg unsupported without losing their balance for 6.5 seconds and be able to stand up from a seated position for 5 times in less than 12 seconds. In a safe place, do these tests if you are unable to stand for 6,5 seconds or it takes you longer than 12 seconds to complete the sit to stand test, you will benefit from a consultation and probably joining a balance exercise program. In the clinic, we use standard tests to assess the falls risk and we use a computerized balance plate to guide us as system is weaker so we can focus more on the exercises to improve the weak area of the brain or muscles.
Benefits of Balance Exercise Program
- Preventing falls & possibility of fractures
- Live happier with a better quality of life
- Reducing fear of falling
- Increase general strength and mobility
- Improves balance & co-ordination
- Improves social networking , reduces the risk of developing dementia
- Increases confidence and independence
- Group exercises classes are great places to meet other people with similar interests or challenges
Do I Need a Referral From My Doctor to join the Balance & Falls Prevention program by Physiomobility?
We do not need a referral from a doctor. After an assessment, we may refer you back to your physician for more testing or a referral to a specialist if needed or if your progress is not as expected. Your family physician is an important member of your care team. With your permission, we will communicate your plan of care and your progress with your doctor.
You can join this program in conjunction with your physiotherapy treatment program. Not sure if this is a good choice for you? Book a Consultation before joining the program.
This program is covered by physiotherapy & kinesiology insurance plans. You do not need a referral to join Balance & Dizziness Exercise Program. We encourage our clients to contact their insurance provider to confirm their requirements.
Click Here to Watch Exercise Videos to Improve Balance
Once you have a fall due to loss of balance, your chances of falling again doubles. As one age, the fear of falling deters them from partaking in various activities, especially if they have fallen before and received a serious injury.
How balance & strength training prevents falls in elderly?
With the aid of a physiotherapist, seniors can overcome their fears of falling by taking fall prevention measures. Physiotherapists educate people about fall prevention measures; improve their strength with exercises to partake in activities such as gardening and walking. To ensure the environment is safe at home, they can provide them with guidelines to follow as well as asses the medications they are taking to find out if they increase their risk of falls.
Physiombility’s dizziness clinic offers a combination of exercise programs and education to address mobility issues, muscle weakness and poor balance to prevent falls and fractures.
What can I do to prevent falls & injuries?
Fall prevention is an important initiative. As one age, physical changes in muscles, bones, and joints affect strength and mobility. These physical changes along with health conditions, increased number of medications, decreased overall activity level, make falling more likely. More importantly, many older adult develops a fear of falling that further affect mobility and activity level. Fear of falling can seriously affect your life but there are strategies that can be employed to prevent falls and improve quality of life.
1. Make an appointment with your doctor & physiotherapist
2. Continue with light physical activities
Physical activities such as walking, tai chi, swimming, lightweight exercises can improve your balance and reduce your fall risk significantly.
3. Wear proper shoes
Floppy & loose slippers, high heels, and shoes with slippery soles decrease your grip and increase your risk of falling. Comfortable and lighter shoes also decrease joint pain.
4. Make your home safer
To make your home safer:
- Clear walkways by removing boxes, electrical cords and area rugs
- Remove tables and obstacles from high-traffic areas
- Secure area rugs with double-sided tape or remove loose rugs from your home
- Repair loose stairs, curbs, etc
- Store frequently used objects within easy reach in the cabinets
- Clean spilled food and liquid immediately
- Sit when putting your socks & shoes on
- Make your shower and bathroom safe by adding grip bars and shower seat
- Use a raised toilet seat or one with arms
5. Brighten up your living space
Brighten up your living space to prevent tripping and fall.
- Place night lights in areas that you frequent such as bedroom, bathroom, and hallways
- Place a night light next to bed with easy reach
- Turn on the lights before going up or downstairs
6. Use your cane, walker or other assistive devices
If you need a cane or walker to improve your gait or keep you steady, make sure to keep them handy and use them. If necessary, speak to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to be assessed for needing an assistive device or home modification.
What is balance & fall prevention program by Physiomobility?
The program starts with a comprehensive assessment by our physiotherapist that includes medical history, muscle strength, ability to walk and stand, and inner ear (vestibular balance system function. Based on the findings of the assessment and when the root cause of balance impairment has been identified, a treatment plan will be devised.
A combination of exercise, education, and support is required to improve balance and prevent falls and injuries. Physiomobility’s program includes:
- Exercise therapy
- Education
- Assistive device prescription
- Home safety adjustments
- Balance training
- Footwear assessment
- Improve sensation and muscle control
At Physiomobility, our team of qualified professionals works collaboratively to improve our patient’s balance, prevent falls and improve the overall quality of life. Whether you have a chronic medical condition, such as arthritis, or you have experienced a medical event, or suffer from dizziness and vertigo our experienced physiotherapists will provide you a personalized treatment enabling you to get back to your usual activities quickly.
How Do I Sign Up for Balance & Falls Prevention Program at Physiomobility?
Joining Balance & Falls Prevention Program at Physiomobility is easy and affordable. It all starts with an assessment by one of our physiotherapists. During the initial session we evaluate your joint mobility, muscle strength, functional abilities, and falls risk. Depending on the findings, we may suggest regular sessions with our physiotherapist to improve your balance or recommend you to join an exercise program. If you need more support during the exercise sessions, we will design an individualized exercise program and our exercise therapist will help you with the exercises. If you do not need one-on-one sessions, you may join our small group exercise classes for a very affordable fee. We will help you to access the best program which is suitable for your abilities and is safe for you.
