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Prompt Physical Therapy Can Significantly Reduce the Risk of Falling Among Individuals with Dizziness


Preventing Falls in Adults with Dizziness: How Therapy Network Physical Therapy Can Help





Dizziness is a common complaint among adults, and various underlying conditions, including vestibular disorders, can cause it. While dizziness can be troublesome, it often leads to another severe concern—falling. However, a recent study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery sheds light on a promising avenue for reducing the risk of falls among individuals with dizziness: timely physical therapy (PT) intervention. In this updated blog post, we'll explore how Therapy Network Physical Therapy can play a vital role in helping adults prevent falls.





dizzy fallen elderly woman being helped up by two women




The Study: Unraveling the Link Between Dizziness and Falls
Researchers at the University of Minnesota conducted a cross-sectional study involving 805,454 patients aged 18 years or older who received a new diagnosis of symptomatic dizziness or vestibular disorders. Their goal was to investigate the association between receiving physical therapy and subsequent falls requiring medical care within 12 months of the initial diagnosis.





Key Findings: The Power of Timely PT





The study's findings were both enlightening and encouraging. Here are some of the key takeaways:






  1. Reduced Risk of Falls: Patients who received physical therapy within three months of their initial dizziness diagnosis experienced a significantly reduced risk of falling. The most significant risk reduction occurred within the first three months after PT.




  2. Low PT Utilization: Surprisingly, only 6 percent of the patients in the study received PT within three months of their dizziness diagnosis. This suggests that PT is an underutilized resource in managing dizziness-related falls.




  3. Demographic Differences: The study also identified demographic differences in PT utilization. Women, patients aged 50 to 59, and those with more comorbidities were less likely to receive PT. This highlights the importance of equitable access to PT services.





Therapy Network Physical Therapy: A Key Player in Fall Prevention





Now, let's delve into how Therapy Network Physical Therapy can make a significant impact on preventing falls in adults with dizziness:






  1. Expertise in Vestibular Rehabilitation: Therapy Network Physical Therapy is staffed with skilled physical therapists specializing in vestibular rehabilitation. They have the knowledge and experience to assess and treat individuals with dizziness effectively.




  2. Individualized Treatment Plans: Each patient is unique, and Therapy Network Physical Therapy understands this. They create personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's specific needs and goals, ensuring that the therapy addresses the root causes of dizziness and balance issues.




  3. Balance and Coordination Training: Physical therapists at Therapy Network are experts in improving balance and coordination. Targeted exercises and therapies can help individuals regain their stability and reduce the risk of falls.




  4. Education and Prevention: Beyond treatment, Therapy Network Physical Therapy focuses on educating patients about fall prevention strategies they can incorporate into their daily lives. This empowerment empowers individuals to take an active role in their own safety.





woman looking a dizzy person fallen at bottom of stairs




If you would like to learn more about Dizziness, Falls and Balance, and more, you can check out the links below:









Conclusion: A Step Toward Preventing Falls with Therapy Network Physical Therapy





Dizziness can be debilitating and, if left untreated, can lead to severe consequences such as falls. However, this study provides hope by demonstrating that timely physical therapy interventions can significantly reduce the risk of falling among individuals with dizziness. By seeking the expertise of Therapy Network Physical Therapy and integrating timely PT into managing dizziness, we can enhance the quality of life for countless individuals and prevent potentially life-altering falls. Together, we can progress towards a safer, healthier future for adults with dizziness.


Categories Back Pain, Falls and Balance Author marketing

The Importance of Fall Prevention


Did you know that with every passing second, an older adult in the U.S. becomes another statistic, facing a fall that may lead to severe injury or worse?





Fall prevention extends beyond mere statistics; it affects lives and the quality of life for countless individuals, especially our senior citizens.





The leading causes of hospital visits for those aged 65+ are falls, with an astounding 90% of injury-related ER visits attributed to them. The grave figures don't end there. A shocking 95% of hip fractures and many traumatic brain injuries stem from falls.





These stats underscore the paramount importance of fall prevention. But there's hope – with physical therapy's aid, prevention and recovery from fall-induced injuries become a reality.





Keep reading for further information on how The Therapy Network can help you prevent falls in your home.





Most Common Fall Hotspots Around the Home





Knowing where you're most likely to fall is half the battle in fall prevention. Unfortunately, the home, often considered the safest haven, tops the charts as the primary location for falls, especially for older adults.






  • Stairs: Number one risk zone in homes.




  • Bathrooms: Over 23,000 yearly injuries.




  • Gardens: Uneven surfaces can be treacherous.




  • Living Rooms: Often cluttered and overlooked.




  • Driveways and Sidewalks: Cracks and uneven pavements can trip.




  • Bedrooms: Night-time navigation without proper lighting can be hazardous.





As part of your fall prevention plan, download a booklet from the CDC and review the tips for preventing falls in your home.





Gait & Running Analysis




Home Safety: Fall Prevention Tips





Creating a fall-proof environment isn't a Herculean task. We asked the physical therapist at The Therapy Network for some tips for this blog. Here is some actionable advice from the TTN team:






  • De-clutter: Clear hallways, staircases, and rooms of any unnecessary items.




  • Repair Hazards: Address loose carpets, wobbly floorboards, or risky throw rugs.




  • Install Safety Measures: Add grab bars by toilets, handrails in stairways, and nonslip mats in wet zones.




  • Optimum Lighting: Ensure all areas, especially stairways and corridors, are well-lit.




  • Wear Sensible Clothing: Avoid excessively loose clothes that may cause tripping.




  • Shoe Strategy: Wear shoes indoors or opt for nonslip socks.




  • One-Level Living: If feasible, consider living on one level to avoid stairs.




  • Mindful Movement: Always move from sitting to standing with caution, taking a moment to stabilize. A physical therapist can show you the best method to move from sitting to standing.




  • Join Exercise Programs: Engage in exercises that enhance balance and muscle strength. Ask your TTN physical therapist for tips and ideas to improve mobility and flexibility.





How Can The Therapy Network Help?





The prospect of falls shouldn't paralyze you with fear. Instead, arm yourself with preventative measures and guidance from The Therapy Network.





We're never too far with offices in multiple coastal Virginia locations. In 2022, we took a significant leap forward, introducing our specialized Fall Prevention Center in Norfolk, Virginia. Here's the best part: Prevention begins before the accident. At The Therapy Network, we advocate for proactive measures. During your fall prevention visit, anticipate an extensive evaluation:






  • BioSway Testing




  • Berg Testing




  • Tenetti Testing




  • Balance Testing




  • Mobility Testing




  • Vestibular Testing




  • Home Environment Assessment





Begin your fall prevention journey today by scheduling an appointment. Did you know you do not need a physician's referral to schedule a fall prevention appointment at TTN?





Awareness combined with proactive measures can drastically reduce the risks of falls. The Therapy Network is dedicated to empowering everyone with the knowledge and tools needed to make every step safe.





Visit www.TheTherapyNetwork.com for more insights and assistance.


Categories Falls and Balance, News Author marketing

Fall Prevention: A Necessity for All of Us


The consequences of a fall can be dire.  But how many of us consider the consequences and take preventative action?   Fall prevention is a necessity for all of us.  Join us September 18-24, 2022, for Falls Prevention Week, a nationwide effort to raise awareness that falls are preventable.


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