October is National Physical Therapy Month - learn more about this year's theme of Falls Prevention
October is National Physical Therapy Month! This year's theme is falls and fall-related injury prevention and awareness. There is no better time to highlight physical therapy's critical role in fall prevention for seniors.
Each year more than one out of four older Americans, ages 65 and above, experience a fall, and 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. Falls are also responsible for 95% of hip injuries. In addition to injury, a fall can result in unwanted outcomes, including loss of independence and decreased ability to do the things that are most important to seniors. And unfortunately, falling once doubles a person's chances of falling again. Even if a fall does not result in an injury, it can cause fear of falling. This fear may cause individuals to cut back on daily activities, which may lead to weakness and may make the person prone to additional falls.
Although 25% of older adults fall each year, falling is not a normal part of aging. This is where physical therapy can help. Physical therapists and assistants are the experts to help seniors increase physical activity, improve balance, regain muscle strength, and increase endurance. Physical activity reduces the risks of falls and fall-related injuries in older adults. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, physical therapy including exercise focused on balance, stability, and the ability to perform common tasks is recommended and can prevent falls in seniors.
A physical therapist can assess fall risk factors. They can help individuals address risk and remain independent. Specifically, physical therapy can:
- Design a personalized plan for each individual's specific fall-prevention needs.
- Help seniors make their home as safe as possible.
- Educate seniors about the medical risk factors related to falls
- Teach appropriate strength and balance-training exercises.
- Work with other health care providers to address any underlying medical conditions that could increase falls risk.
- Recommend appropriate community programs to help maintain strength and balance
Physical therapists also treat fall-related injuries in people of any age and help them to prevent more falls. Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and exercise. And during National Physical Therapy Month, we celebrate them and their important contributions to aging and senior care.
