It’s October, which means it’s time for fall, sweaters, pumpkin spice and Halloween. But it’s also National Physical Therapy Month. That’s right, we have our own month! Why does physical therapy need its own observance? To raise awareness about the benefits of physical therapy and celebrate the amazing physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in the profession. We play a vital role across the country and the globe, treating all patient populations to help restore, maintain and improve physical function.
This year, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has chosen to highlight fall awareness, prevention and recovering from falls-related injuries during National Physical Therapy Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 out of 4 older Americans fall each year. The good news is that with prevention and intervention, the risk of falls can decrease.
Here are a few tips to help older adults limit a chance of a fall:
Maintain mobility and improve strength. Stay active by doing physical activities that you enjoy, including walking. Yoga or tai chi are activities that will especially help you maintain strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance.
Improve home safety. Look around your home with a family member or friend to see if there’s anything that can cause you to trip or slip. Throw rugs, clutter, and electrical wires are big tripping hazards, and poor lighting can also be an issue when navigating your home in the evening or early morning hours. Also, consider adding a secure grab bar in the tub or shower and next to the toilet for extra support.
Get a falls screening. Your primary care provider or a physical therapist can assess your falls risk and work with you to help decrease your risk of falling. This is particularly important if you feel unsteady, weak, or have experienced a fall in the last year.
Call us at 484-841-6154 or email us at intake@reachyours.com to schedule an evaluation. We will assess your balance, fitness and other factors, and design a safe exercise program to help you reduce your falls risk.