When you’re younger, tripping and falling over isn’t much of a big deal. You might get a scrape or a bruise that is uncomfortable for a short period of time, but life pretty much goes on as normal. However, when you’re a senior and you trip or lose balance and fall, you have a high risk for strains, sprains and fractures.

We all grow older eventually, so there is no solving that issue, but what we can do is to address issues that contribute to balance problems to lower the fall risk of senior citizens.

Improving balance for seniors with exercise in physical therapy

A number of factors can contribute to an increased fall risk in seniors, including:

• Weak and stiff muscles
• Stiff joints
• Inner ear conditions, such as vertigo
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Certain medications
• Poor vision
• Stroke
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Injuries 

Regardless of the cause of your loss of balance, a physical therapist can work with you to address the issue and guide you through a customized treatment routine to help improve your balance. In many physical therapy treatments, physical therapists will guide you through a series of safe and gentle exercises.

Exercising helps improve your strength and flexibility. Stronger and more flexible muscles in your legs, hips and core can help provide better stability and support for your body. Physical therapists can guide you through exercises that engage these muscles while standing and moving to help you reduce your fall risk in a wide range of scenarios. 

If you have inner ear issues or vision issues, physical therapists can also guide you through exercises designed to help improve your focus and help your brain adjust to the challenges of your condition.

Visit Franklin Rehabilitation for balance exercises for seniors

Are you a senior who is at risk for injury from frequent loss of balance? It’s time to talk to a physical therapist about what they can do to help keep you on your feet. Contact our team today for more information about improving balance or to schedule an initial appointment.