Balance Training Program

Our in-depth program helps reduce your risk of falls – and your fear of falling.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among adults 65 years and older. One-fourth of older adults fall each year, and these injuries can also rack up significant costs from the ER, hospital care, nursing home and home health care. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the ER for a fall. But falls are not inevitable, and there are steps you can take to reduce your fall risk, including educating yourself and enrolling in a balance training program.

Factors that may increase your fall risk

• History of a previous fall

• Limited flexibility

• Joint pain or osteoarthritis

• Balance issues

• Osteoporosis, or fragile bones

• Weakness in the legs

• Vision issues

• Medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, diabetes, heart disease or dementia

• Depression and anxiety

• A recent hospitalization

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Obesity

• Wearing the wrong footwear

Our balance training program can help reduce your risk of falls

Identifying YOUR risks

We review your medical history and use established research questionnaires, tests and measures to identify your personal risks.

PERSONALIZED Treatment plan

We then develop your customized treatment plan that best meets your fall prevention needs. This includes specific, supported training exercises designed to put you off balance, such as standing on a foam block, sitting on an exercise ball while lifting a hand weight, walking around obstacles or standing on one leg. These types of exercises force your body to adapt, so that you can better navigate real-world balance challenges. Strength and endurance training are also key elements for fall prevention. By strengthening specific muscle groups that aid you in your balance and improving your overall health through aerobic exercise, you can improve your balance – and ability to recover when you lose it – and reduce your risk of falling.

EDUCATION

Your therapist will also educate you in other ways to minimize your fall risk in the future and maintain the highest quality of life. This includes reviewing the activities that are safe to perform throughout your treatment as you regain your mobility as well as suggesting the most appropriate modifications to your home, to help ensure a safe environment. Finally, we can direct you to other educational resources so you can learn more about the best ways to reduce your risk of falling.