As a physical therapist, I commonly work with individuals who have experienced a fall during their daily lives.
Interestingly, many of those individuals shared that the cause of their fall “was something so silly or stupid.“ One individual, in particular, tripped at home over a loose throw rug in her hallway.
The fall occurred as this individual attempted to answer the ringing phone, the rug got tangled between the feet, and the fall resulted in a fracture of the lower leg bone. The injury required surgical repair and unfortunately, the surgical incision became infected following surgery.
Unfortunately, this individual required multiple surgeries and a prolonged stay at a skilled nursing facility. When I was treating her for physical therapy, she could not care for herself without assistance. In addition, she was placed on driving restrictions by the orthopedic physician, which limited her social interactions and access to the community.
At our first physical therapy visit, we discussed her goals for physical therapy. She aspired to get back to performing around the house those things that would help make her more independent, like light housekeeping and getting out of the place to go to the grocery store. She was also interested in learning the best balance exercises for seniors to help her avoid the chances of another harmful fall.
I share the story with you because it was an incredible, eye-opening experience for this individual who was a high-functioning and independent person within the community before the fall. I also want you to know that the poorly placed hallway throw rug changed her whole life, and it became something this individual wished she had removed from her home to prevent the fall.
In this example, we cannot be 100% sure that the throw rug was solely responsible for causing the fall. However, I feel we can strongly suggest the throw rug contributed to the fall. Understanding what you can do to help prevent falls will keep you and your loved one out of the hospital and participating in the things you enjoy doing.
Physical therapy effectively addresses seniors' fear of falling and balance problems. Incorporating balance activities for the elderly and strengthening exercises for seniors to help improve older adults' abilities to perform activities throughout the day and also help encourage a safe environment to thrive.
As an in-home physical therapy and occupational therapy provider, we help individuals like you or your loved one aged 65+ improve your mobility to keep you active and living at the most optimal level.
You can give us a phone call as your mobile, in-home physical therapy and occupational therapy provider in Waukesha. We provide our services physical therapy at home throughout the Greater Milwaukee area to help you get this problem solved.
If you are looking for the best balance exercises or wondering how to help lower your falls risk and live in Waukesha, Brookfield, New Berlin, Pewaukee, Hartland, Oconomowoc, Milwaukee, Greenfield, Franklin, Oak Creek, or in surrounding Greater Milwaukee communities, give us a quick phone call to schedule your physical therapy appointment or complete this quick form to set up your FREE 20-minute call ($75 value) with an in-home PT to discuss your current situation!
Talk more soon!!
Preston, PT
P.S. "Learn How To Quickly Improve Your Walking Balance By Over 68% In 21 Days Or Less, So You Can Feel More Sturdy With Walking Distances, And Maintain Your Strength And Mobility Without Fear Of Losing Your Independence - And Limit The Chance Of A Nasty Fall..."
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