Five tips to decrease loss of balance in the elderly

As we age, certain issues start to become more worrying for us. The working of our joints. Our ability to walk. Feeling like our muscles are weaker. 

The reality is that all three of those worries play into an increased likelihood of elderly people losing their balance. Medical statistics show that this worry is reasonable. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 25% of elderly Americans fall every year. 

Physical therapists can help elderly patients reduce their risk of losing their balance. Some of this assistance can come from tips you can use at home. These tips are typically coupled with treatments that physical therapists offer for balance difficulties. 

These five tips can help reduce loss of balance in the elderly

A few of the tips you can use at home to reduce the risk of falls are: 

1. Make sure you can see clearly — Vision plays a large role in helping people keep their balance. Be sure to get your eyes checked regularly. Even a tiny change in your vision can make keeping your balance harder. Also, make sure you wear your glasses or contacts if you require them. 

2. Pay attention to medication side effects — Many medications have side effects that include dizziness. Contact your doctor if you think any of your medications are making you feel unbalanced or dizzy. 

3. Don’t stand up too fast — Standing up too quickly can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure; this can make you feel unstable. 

4. Wear nonslip shoes — Socks or slippers can slide out from under you and cause you to fall. A better option is to wear shoes with nonslip soles, even when you’re in your own home. 

5. Stay active — Muscle weakness and joint issues can contribute to balance problems. Staying active every day can help improve muscle strength. It can also help improve the function of your joints. 

How can physical therapists help elderly people address loss of balance issues?

Your physical therapist can build you a balance training plan, and this plan can help you feel more stable as you go about your day. Some common therapy techniques that your balance training plan could include are: 

• Joint mobilization
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)
• Virtual therapy 
• Redcord^® therapy
• Myofascial release
• Spinal rehab
• At-home care
• Therapeutic exercises

Find help with your balance loss issues if you’re elderly at Armor PT

Increasingly concerned that you may lose your balance? Our team at Armor Physical Therapy can help you find ways to improve your stability. We offer free screenings that can pinpoint underlying issues that are making you feel unstable. In addition, our physical therapists excel at creating personalized balance training programs designed to improve muscle strength, increase joint mobility and boost your ability to balance. 

Contact us today for more information about our balance training services or to schedule an initial appointment.