Normally, decades of practice would make an activity effortless over time. However, walking and “getting from A to B” may become more challenging for people as they age.
The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) states that more than one-third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States, and 20% to 30% of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries.
Physical therapists can help in risk reduction and prevention of falls, according to the American Physical Therapy Association, and one of our very own clinical directors in Wisconsin demonstrates all the tips you or your loved one may need to avoid an injury. Be sure to pass it on to anyone who may need a little more confidence in their step!
Video Description:
David Dick, physical therapist and clinic director at Milwaukee’s East Side clinic, shares some safety tips and exercises that will help improve balance and strength to prevent falls, which are most common amongst the geriatric population.
David discusses how to properly use assistive devices. He shares the necessary precautions to take when using a cane or walker:
• Adjusting to the correct height
• Replacing worn rubber tips
• How to properly navigate with each device
David also demonstrates several balance & strengthening exercises to improve strength and balance in order to reduce the risk of falls both in the home and outside the home:
• Sitting to standing / standing to sitting
• Side stepping
• Heel to toe walking
• Hip abduction
• Leg Extension
• Heel raises
• Toe raises