Falls: Are You Noticing the Warning Signs?

Have you noticed that you don’t feel as steady as you used to?  Maybe you’re holding onto the railing more, reaching for furniture when you walk, taking extra time to get out of a chair, or feeling less confident getting around. These may seem like small changes, but they’re worth paying attention to.

 

Take a Moment to Think About Your Own Balance

Have you recently:

• Felt unsteady when standing up or walking?
• Had a stumble or almost-fall?
• Started using furniture or walls to steady yourself?
• Felt less confident on stairs or uneven ground?
• Stopped doing something you enjoy because you’re afraid of falling?

There can be many reasons for these changes. Changes in strength, medications, vision, or the way your body responds to movement can all affect your balance and may increase your risk of falling. Finding out what may be contributing to the change can help you take steps to stay safe.

 

How Can Therapy Help?

Physical and Occupational Therapy can help identify what may be contributing to your fall risk and work with you to address it. Therapy can help improve your balance and walking, make daily activities safer, and find practical ways for you to move with greater confidence.

Don’t wait for a fall. If something has changed, talk to your doctor and ask if therapy could help.