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Proven Ways to Reduce Your Risk of a Falling After a Stroke

Do you frequently notice an imbalance, dizziness, or unsteadiness since suffering a stroke? Have you suffered from a fall in the past, or are you worried that you may be at risk of falling now? At Total Care Physical Therapy in Hillsborough, NJ, our physical therapists are highly skilled at treating neurological disorders affecting your balance and gait.

We have proven results working with people after a stroke and will address your concerns to help you regain confidence!

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in older adults. The risks are even more significant when you factor in a recent stroke. Too often, people don’t think they need to keep working on their balance if they receive therapy in the hospital after their incident.

Too often, by the time someone has been discharged from the care, they don’t realize they need to keep working on their balance until it is too late. The good news is that you can easily prevent most falls with guidance from our Hillsborough, NJ physical therapists.

Falls are a significant concern, 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.

Call Total Care Physical Therapy in Hillsborough, NJ today to request an appointment, and let us help you improve your balance and coordination so you can be more confident doing the things you enjoy!

How to tell if you are at risk of falling?

Some people have a higher risk of falling than others, and a combination of factors causes most falls. Unfortunately, the effects of a stroke can not only affect your physical abilities, but it can also impair the functioning of your brain and the processing of information that keeps you safe.

The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling. The most common risk factors include:

  • Previous history of falls
  • Advanced age
  • Dizziness or vertigo (“spinning” sensations, even when remaining still)
  • Vision problems
  • Impaired balance and gait control related to neurological dysfunction from stroke
  • Muscle weakness or complete loss of muscle function due to stroke
  • Other neurological disorders (i.e., Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s)
  • Cognitive impairments
  • Other acute and chronic illnesses

At Total Care Physical Therapy in Hillsborough, NJ, our therapist will identify and educate you on what these factors mean and the steps you can take to decrease your risk of falling.

What to expect at your Total Care Physical Therapy physical therapy visits

The good news is that you can reduce or prevent most falls. Our physical therapists will perform a thorough physical evaluation and medical history to determine the best treatment plan that addresses all possible factors contributing to your issues and overall health status.

We will start with an injury evaluation, mobility, strength, and balance assessment to identify all the factors contributing to the injury. This will include identifying your risk factors, including any home hazards/environmental factors that may contribute to your fall risk. In addition, we will have a review of your fall history and your fear of falling.

Next, we will use this information to develop a comprehensive program that includes targeted manual techniques, mobility work, strengthening, and appropriate balance and gait techniques for the individual. The key is to get guidance from your Hillsborough, NJ therapists, who have extensive knowledge and experience working with neurological disorders and 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:

  • Mobility work: Your physical therapist will work with you to make sure you can move your joints and coordinate movements needed for walking, standing, reaching, and any other functional training to perform your normal physical activities.
  • Balance and coordination training: Balance is a large part of fall prevention, as lack of stability is one of the main reasons falls occur. Your physical therapist will design balance and coordination drills as part of your treatment to ensure your nervous system is functioning at your peak ability.
  • Strength training: Research has shown that strength training helps prevent falls, minimize the risk of serious injuries and assist in the recovery rate after a fall. Your physical therapist will design a strength training plan for you, focusing on specific muscle groups needing improvement.

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 today to request an appointment!

Whether you have recently suffered from a stroke or are dealing with chronic issues affecting your balance, our team will help you take steps to regain your confidence and reclaim your life.

Contact Total Care Physical Therapy to schedule a consultation and get started today!

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