Balance/Fall Prevention Training At St. John's Mercy Sports & Therapy
In today's community, one third of adults over age 65 fall each year, and another fifty percent of those people fall repeatedly. Studies have proven that falls are currently the most frequent cause of injury-related deaths in the United States. Fortunately, falls are often predictable and, with appropriate planning and precautionary measures, falls can be prevented.

At St. John's Mercy Sports & Therapy outpatient neurologic rehabilitation department, we predict an individual's risk for falling through standardized balance assessments along with musculoskeletal and functional mobility testing. Physical therapists evaluate a variety of factors to determine the most effective strategies in eliminating or reducing an individual's falls.

First, an interview is conducted to determine the person's history of falls or instability, relevant medical history, cognitive and judgement abilities, and level of fear or anxiety regarding falls. Other factors assessed include:

• Visual acuity
• Sensation
• Perception
• Muscle strength
• Flexibility
• Ability to walk on level and unlevel surfaces
• Ability to stand up from a chair
• Ability to perform activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, etc.)
• Sitting and standing balance

External risk factors may also contribute to falls in a person's home environment. If appropriate, a home safety evaluation may be performed and recommendations made to ensure safety within the home.

Upon determining an individual's risk for falling, a treatment program is developed and implemented. Treatment may consist of:

• Stretching, strengthening and general conditioning
• Exercises to promote postural stability in sitting and standing
• Training in the correct use of a walking device (cane, walker, etc.)
• Improving the ability to walk on a variety of surfaces
• Improving the ability to stand up from a variety of surfaces
• Specific strategies to prevent and recover from falls

Individuals also receive footwear consultations and recommendations. If lower extremity bracing is necessary, the physical therapist works together with the orthotist and physician in stabilizing a specific joint or body part to reduce the risk of falls.

Balance-specific equipment is also utilized in the fall prevention program. Our computerized Balance Master system assists in the evaluation of standing balance and the treatment of balance deficits. Our Chattecx machine provides a non-invasive evaluation of all three components of balance: the visual, vestibular, and sensory systems. It, too, can be used in conjunction with habituation exercises and other balance activities for complete balance/ vestibular rehabilitation.

Individuals appropriate for the Balance/ Fall Prevention Program are those who experience falls, near falls, fear of falling, or instability during standing or walking. The individual may or may not have a pre-existing condition or medical diagnosis. A physician's referral is required for evaluation and treatment.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 314-881-4220.