By: Dr. Brandon Stanley PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. DN/SMT

Falling within your home or community dwelling can cause anxiety and fear, which can limit your ability to live a fulfilled life. A fall can cause injuries, decreased independence, and a willingness to perform tasks that are meaningful to you. There can be multiple reasons that contribute to falls, such as unsteadiness when walking and dizziness. Physical therapy can play a key role in improving your balance, muscle strength, and endurance, which will help lower your fall risk. Research studies show that physical therapy is beneficial and cost effective to decreasing your fall risk.

Physical therapists can perform a skilled evaluation that will identify any notable deficiencies. A personalized plan will be developed to address those deficiencies while focusing on improving independence and confidence. Physical therapy will focus on strengthening key muscle groups, particularly those within the legs and core, which play a pivotal role in maintaining balance. Improved muscle strength provides seniors with the stability needed to navigate various terrains and activities. Flexibility exercises incorporated into physical therapy programs enhance the range of motion in joints. This increased flexibility not only contributes to better overall mobility but also aids in preventing stiffness or discomfort that may lead to falls. Physical therapy emphasizes exercises that enhance coordination and proprioception, the body’s ability to sense its position in space. These activities help seniors react more effectively to changes in their environment, reducing the risk of tripping or stumbling. Physical therapists design specific exercises that challenge and improve balance. These exercises target various components of balance, including static and dynamic stability, helping seniors maintain equilibrium during daily activities.

 Gait training, a fundamental aspect of physical therapy, focuses on refining a senior’s walking patterns. By addressing issues such as uneven steps or an irregular gait, physical therapists contribute to improved posture, reducing the likelihood of falls. Functional movement training will ensure that seniors can perform everyday activities, or Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) with ease. By practicing movements relevant to daily life, seniors build the strength and coordination necessary for maintaining balance in real-world scenarios. Physical therapists provide valuable insights into optimizing the home environment for safety. This may include suggestions for rearranging furniture, removing potential tripping hazards, and ensuring proper lighting, creating a secure living space that minimizes fall risks. For those who use assistive devices such as canes or walkers, guidance can be provided on proper usage. Correctly utilizing these devices contributes to improved stability and confidence during daily activities.

Beyond the physical aspects, physical therapy will address psychosocial factors that can influence fall prevention. As seniors make improvements in their physical abilities, they often experience increased confidence and a positive mindset, further reducing the fear of falling. Physical therapy is a dynamic process that involves continuous monitoring and adjustment of exercise plans. As seniors progress, therapists adapt the program to ensure that it remains challenging and effective in addressing evolving needs.

At Professional Rehabilitation Services, we treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions using the latest evidence-based therapies provided by highly credentialed physical therapists. Professional Rehabilitation Services has nine convenient locations in Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, Market Common, Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, Conway, Little River, Longs and Forestbrook.

For further information on this or other related topics you can contact Richard DeFalco, DPT, OCS, CSCS, CWcHP at Professional Rehabilitation Services (Myrtle Beach) (843) 839-1300, Brian P. Kinmartin PT, DPT, MTC, STC, OCS, CWcHP (Pawleys Island) (843) 235-0200, Richard A. Owens, MPT, OCS, Cert. SMT, CWcHP (Surfside) (843) 831-0163, Jill P. Phelan, PT, DPT, Cert. DN (Conway) (843) 773-3031, Lisa O’Brien, PT, DPT, Cert. DN (Murrells Inlet) (843) 314-3224, Brandon Stanley, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. DN/SMT (Little River) (843) 281-4222, (Carolina Forest) (843) 282-0440, Zach Daniels PT, DPT (Market Commons) (843) 213-6338, Kayla Carlisle, PT, DPT (Longs) (843) 491-0388, Mackenzie Thacker PT, DPT (Forestbrook) (854)223-4832 or visit our website at www.prsrehabservices.com where you can learn more about the company and even download a referral form for your physician to fill out. You can also call and schedule a free 15-minute consultation.