We all stumble and fall at different points - I’m sure you’ve even tripped on your own feet before. While falls can happen at any stage in life, for older adults, falls can become much riskier. As we age, falls can cause a lot more damage, like broken hips and head injuries, and moving through your daily routine might require a higher level of caution. It’s essential to be mindful of your fall risk and all the factors that can contribute to it, but you should not let it keep you from doing the activities you love. A physical therapist can be a great person to help you modify your favorite activities or daily routine with safety in mind - we do this every day for our clients at EW Motion Therapy. But even if you decide our services do not fit your needs, you can still read on to learn when to start thinking about fall risk, the three categories of contributing factors, and how physical therapy can help.
When should you start thinking about fall risk?
Fall risk is a concern for individuals of all ages, but the risk increases as we get older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four older adults falls each year in the United States, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among adults aged 65 and older.
While age is a significant fall risk factor, other factors can also contribute to falling risk. For example, certain medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke can increase the risk of falls at any age. Medications that affect balance or cause dizziness can also increase the risk of falls.
Therefore, fall risk is not solely based on age but rather a combination of factors that can vary from person to person. Evaluating each individual’s fall risk is essential based on their circumstances, medical history, and environmental factors.
Contributing factors of fall risk
Multiple factors contribute to fall risk. Let’s review them in three categories: environmental factors, physical factors, and mental factors.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors refer to the conditions and surroundings we live in. Certain things in our homes, offices, and anywhere we go, including uneven surfaces, poor lighting, clutter, and slippery floors, can contribute to falls by making it difficult to maintain balance or causing slips and trips.
Physical therapists can work with patients to identify and address potential hazards in their homes and other environments to reduce the risk of falls due to environmental factors. They may suggest modifications such as installing handrails, improving lighting, or removing clutter to create a safer environment. They can also implement mobility and balance exercises using different obstacles to promote independence.
Physical factors
Physical factors refer to changes in the body that can increase the risk of falls. These include muscle weakness, joint pain, balance problems, and vision changes. Physical therapists can help address these factors through exercises and other interventions.
For example, physical therapists may work with patients to improve their balance through exercises that target the core and lower body. They may also prescribe strength training exercises to improve muscle tone and reduce the risk of falls, along with assistive devices to aid in navigating their environment. Additionally, physical therapists can provide gait and balance training to improve walking patterns and reduce the risk of tripping.
Mental factors
Changes in cognitive function can increase the risk of falls. These can include memory loss, confusion, neurological disorders, and depression. Mental factors can impact a person's ability to navigate their environment safely and react to changes in their surroundings. Another mental component of increased fall risk can be the fear of falling. For some people, the fear of being injured from a fall can cause more falls, as well as avoiding certain activities, which can affect their quality of life.
Physical therapists can help address mental factors by providing cognitive and behavioral interventions. These may include exercises that improve cognitive function, such as memory games or puzzles. Additionally, physical therapists may work with patients to address depression or anxiety impacting their ability to navigate their environment safely. Many physical therapists hold certifications allowing them to work with patients who have different neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, and they can help those patients with mobility deficits and encourage safe, consistent activity.
How can physical therapy help with balance issues?
Now you know more about the factors contributing to fall risk and how physical therapy can help you navigate safely. Many people have issues with their balance, no matter their age - certain medications and neurological disorders can affect balance, as can vision problems. Physical therapists can employ various methods to help anyone feel steadier on their feet.
While falls can be scary, there are preventative strategies you can employ to ensure your safety and promote independence. A physical therapist can be an excellent ally in formulating what this may look like for you. If you’re curious about how to reduce fall risk at home, click the button below to download our free home safety guide.
