Do you frequently notice an imbalance, dizziness, or unsteadiness that makes you feel as if you may fall over at any given time? Have you suffered from a fall in the past? Are you worried that you may be at risk of falling? At Atlas Physical Therapy, our team will address your concerns and help you regain your confidence!
In older adults, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. Most people don’t think about working on their balance until it is too late. The good news is that you can easily prevent most falls with guidance from a physical therapist.
Falls are a significant concern for seniors, and even without an injury, a fall can cause a loss of confidence and reduce a person’s ability to carry on with daily activities. If you have recently sustained a balance-related injury, it is important to seek the help of a physical therapist immediately to avoid additional injuries in the future.
Our team will give you the tools to recover from a recent fall or avoid additional injuries in the future. Call Atlas Physical Therapy today for an appointment, and let us help you get stronger and more confident so you can do the things you enjoy!
Are You At Risk Of Falling?
Some people have a higher risk of falling than others, and a combination of factors causes most falls. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling. The most common risk factors include:
- Advanced age
- Dizziness or vertigo (“spinning” sensations, even when remaining still)
- Vision problems
- Impaired balance and gait control (whether age-related or due to illness)
- Muscle weakness and reduced physical fitness due to a sedentary lifestyle
- Neurological disorders (i.e., Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s)
- Cardiovascular disease (i.e., heart attack, stroke, PAD)
- Cognitive impairments
- Depression
- Acute and chronic illnesses
- Previous history of falls
Your physical therapist will assess your medical history to determine how many risk factors for falling you may have. They will educate you on what these factors mean, as well as steps you can take to decrease your risk.
Physical Therapy Can Keep You On Your Feet
Our physical therapists will perform a thorough physical evaluation to figure out the best treatment plan for you. We will start with an injury evaluation and a mobility, strength, and balance assessment to identify all the factors contributing to the injury. This will consist of a thorough history to understand more about the demands on the body, how many risk factors you may have, and your overall health status.
In addition, we will include a review of your fall history and fear of falling, as well as identify any home hazards/environmental factors that may contribute to your fall risk. We will use this information to develop a comprehensive program.
What To Expect In Physical Therapy
The good news is that you can prevent most falls. The key is to get guidance from your therapist, who will teach you the correct exercises to improve your balance.
Our recommendations aim to reduce your risk of falling, but they will also aid you in improving coordination, strength, flexibility, and overall movement.
Some common aspects of treatment include:
• Pain management. Your physical therapist will work with you on relieving pain first before continuing any other forms of physical activity.
• Strength training. One of the primary means of preventing falls is ensuring you are strong enough to do so. Your physical therapist will design a strength training plan for you, which will focus on specific muscle groups in need of improvement.
• Balance training. Balance is a large part of fall prevention, and we have specialized equipment to both assess and treat balance deficits effectively and safely. Your physical therapist will design a balance training plan for you as part of your treatment.
Your physical therapist will then incorporate task-specific treatments with a safe and effective progression to assist you in a safe return to daily activities. Every good therapy program will include injury prevention strategies that ensure you stay doing what you love!
Call Our Clinic For Help Today
Exercise is one of the most effective treatment methods for patients with an increased risk of falling. Our team will help guide you through the steps you need to regain your confidence and reclaim your life.
Contact Atlas Physical Therapy to schedule a consultation and get started today!
Your Success Is Our Priority!
Return to Atlas Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Exercise of the Month
ONE LEG BALANCE
With your hands on the back of a chair, counter top, or wall, slowly lift your uninjured leg upward behind you so that your weight lies on
the leg with the injured ankle. Hold this position for 20 to 30 seconds and gradually progress to more seconds as you get stronger.
2 Sets, 1 Rep. (Materials needed: chair)
Treat yourself to layers of indulgence with this Bananas Foster Parfaits recipe—sweet bananas, creamy yogurt, and a crunchy topping come together in every bite. It’s the perfect no-fuss dessert to savor all summer long!
Enjoy This Seasonal Recipe!
Bananas Foster Parfaits
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 6 Tbsp dark brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened apple juice
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups plain 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Peel bananas and cut each in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 3 pieces. Combine sugar, apple juice, and butter in a nonstick skillet. Cook over medium-low heat for 3 minutes or until mixture begins to bubble. Add bananas to pan; cook for 2 minutes or until bananas begin to soften. Spoon 1/2 cup yogurt into the bottom of each of 4 parfait glasses. Divide banana mixture evenly among glasses. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon chopped and toasted pecans.
Thank you for subscribing
to Atlas Physical Therapy
Follow Us on Social Media!
Follow the buttons below to find Atlas Physical Therapy on your favorite social media sites and stay up to date with what happens around our clinic!
8 Nutrition Tips for A Healthy Summer
Summer weekends at the beach, backyard barbecues, and outdoor dinners are finally here, but these gatherings are often loaded with high-calorie pasta salads, chips, ice cream, cocktails and beers. Enjoy your warm-weather favorites while keeping your nutrition in check with the tips below.
1. Drink green tea instead of sweet tea. Green tea has a natural component that helps speed up your metabolism. Skip the box tea and opt for the brew-it-yourself with boiling water and a tea-bag-type tea.
2. Serve seafood. Summer is the ideal time to get the freshest catch from your local grocer. Grill salmon, tuna, lobster, steamer clams, and calamari for a low-calorie, protein-packed lunch or dinner.
3. Don’t skip breakfast. When you wake up in the morning, your body is running on fumes. Eating a breakfast with protein, carbs, and healthy fat kicks your metabolism into high gear and provides energy for the day.
4. Enjoy summer fruits and veggies. It’s easy to sink into a vegetable rut, eating the same boring veggies week after week, but with summer comes fresh choices. Including a mix of in-season colorful veggies in your meals gives your body a nutrient kick.
5. Snack at work. Bring snacks to work and graze throughout the day. When you eat more often—five to six times per day—you’re far less likely to overeat and more likely to stay energized.
6. Hydrate often. The summer heat makes you more susceptible to dehydration. Start off your day by drinking two glasses of water and keep drinking at each meal, as well as before and after your workout, to stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you as a reminder to stay hydrated.
7. Recover with a post-workout shake. After exercising, blend your favorite summer fruits and a scoop of whey protein into a shake to kickstart the muscle-building process, help your body recover from training, and boost your energy levels.
8. Pre-plan your meals. You plan your weekend getaways and activities for summer. Why not your meals? Make it easy by preparing all of your food on Sunday so that you have enough meals for the week. The best part: You’ll save money.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“I started physical therapy with Jack Bozma approximately 6 months after back surgery. I had gone to another PT in the St. Johns area prior to this, but did not have a great experience. When Jack started to treat me all that changed. I talked to him about my concerns and he heard me. He developed an exercise plan that took me forward and strengthened my legs and back. He is very knowledgeable, listens, and does his job well. I would recommend him to anyone for any physical therapy needs.”
— Beth R.
Refer a Friend
If you’ve experienced the outstanding care at Atlas Physical Therapy, why not share it with your friends? Referring them means giving them access to personalized treatment that can make a real difference in their health and well-being. Help them find a trusted healthcare partner—refer a friend to Atlas Physical Therapy today!
