19 Jan The Physiology Behind an Everyday Trip and Fall

Falling is something most people do not consider, making it one of the most common accidents for people of all ages.

The dangers of potential injury increase with age and make older adults fall victim to greater risks. It is reported that falling is the leading cause of injury and death to senior citizens and will continue to be a looming threat in the future.

Falls are a result of balance shifts, and in turn are subject to many sensory functions that are used to support the body. Older adults experience sufficient changes in different sensory perceptions, including vision, peripheral, vestibular, muscle strength, neuromuscular control, and reaction time. This progressive loss of certain system functions can be determined by falls and inhibit a person’s daily lifestyle. Physical therapy is an imperative aid for the stimulation of these functioning capabilities, and a personalized program can help you achieve the proper results for your specific needs.

Common repercussions of falling are impact fractures, and about 20% of falls for seniors result in a broken bone. Hip fractures are by far the most common injury from falling with doctors reporting almost 300,000 elderly hip fractures per year. Traumatic brain injuries, arm fractures, and wrist fractures are additional occurrences that can result from a fall accident. Fall injuries are a significant problem for the elderly and may be fatal. Elders with bone disease like osteoporosis risk fatal injury when falling and should be put under the watch of a physical therapist to assist them with strengthening their core and balancing their gait.

Incorporating balance exercises into a patient’s daily schedule is important to avoid these serious fall injuries. Balance training helps increase body awareness, coordination, reaction time, and joint stability. Adding yoga, or tai chi to your daily routine can help with your core strength to improve stability. These daily exercises can cut the risk of falling in half for elderly patients.

Consider physical therapy if you or someone you know has experienced a falling accident or is looking to avoid a falling accident. New York residents should check out Lake Country Physical Therapy in Canandaigua. Lake Country offers plenty of services including gait and strength training for geriatrics.