2790 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M6B 3A5
(on the northwest corner of Bathurst & Glencairn)
Tel: 416-783-7175
Fax: 647-729-2292
Balance & Gait Challenges, Falls
Falls prevention
Preventing falls in our aging population involves a multifaceted approach that addresses various factors contributing to falls.
Strategies for falls prevention and management include, but are not limited to, exercise programs, medication management, assistive devices and home safety modifications.
Physiotherapy for falls prevention
Preventing falls involves a proactive approach to address both environmental and individual risk factors. Regular evaluation, intervention, and creating a safe environment play key roles in reducing the risk of falls and their consequences.
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in both preventing falls and addressing the factors that contribute to falls in individuals. Here are ways physiotherapy can be beneficial for falls prevention and remediation:
Assessment and Individualized Exercise Programs:
Our physiotherapists conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate an individual's strength, balance, gait, flexibility, and overall mobility. Based on this assessment, your physiotherapist will design a program targeting your specific areas of weakness or impairment. This program will focus on improving your strength, balance, and coordination to enhance stability and reduce the risk of falls.
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Balance Training:
Our physiotherapists use various balance exercises to challenge your stability and proprioception. These exercises can include standing on one leg, tandem walking, using balance boards, and other activities aimed at improving balance reactions and control.
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Strength Training:
Strengthening exercises, particularly for lower body muscles, are crucial for stability and fall prevention. Your programs may include exercises targeting muscles in your legs, hips, and core to improve your overall strength and stability.
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Gait and Walking Training:
Addressing abnormalities in gait and walking patterns is essential. Your OSAM physiotherapist will work on correcting any gait disturbances, improving your step length and symmetry, and teaching you safe walking techniques to reduce the risk of falls.
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Functional Training:
At One Step Ahead Mobility, we focus on practicing functional activities relevant to your daily life to help you apply your improved strength and balance to real-life situations. This might include practicing getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, or reaching for objects while maintaining balance.
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Education and Awareness:
We provide education on fall risk factors, home safety modifications, and strategies to prevent falls. This education includes teaching you how to recognize and manage your own risk factors for falls.
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Environmental Assessment:
You may need a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to conduct a home assessment to identify potential hazards and recommend modifications to make your home environment safer and more conducive to preventing falls.
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Assistive Devices and Mobility Aids:
Our physiotherapists can teach you how to properly use your assistive devices like canes, walkers, or braces to improve your stability and confidence in your mobility.
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Our physiotherapy programs for falls prevention and remediation is tailored to your specific needs and capabilities. Regular sessions and consistent adherence to prescribed programs and strategies can significantly reduce your risk of falls and improve your overall mobility and quality of life.
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Find out more about our SMARTfit Falls Prevention and Brain Health programs here.