Pierce Physical Therapy offering free balance screenings
It’s February — and typical winter slow-downs in activity combined with limited outings due to COVID precautions draws attention to the risk of falling, particularly among our community’s elderly population.
As a community service, Dr. Jocelyn Miller, PT, DPT is offering free balance screening at Pierce Physical Therapy to anyone with a concern about their fall risk.
According to the CDC, more than one in four older adults in the United States fall every year, and 20-percent of these falls lead to a serious injury. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older Americans.
Falls can result in hip fractures, limb fractures, head wounds, and a fear of falling--which in turn can lead to reduced mobility, increased social isolation, and a loss of independence and sense of safety-- not to mention significant economic costs.
But here is some good news:
• Falling is not an inevitable result of aging.
• It is estimated that up to 70-percent of falls are preventable.
• Healthcare providers and community programming can assist you in reducing your fall risk
If you have concerns related to balance or walking, make sure you raise them with your doctor or healthcare provider. Your primary care physician can do fundamental screening and prescribe appropriate interventions including a medication review, strength and gait assessment, or further assessment by a specialist.
In addition, a physical therapist can identify and treat many balance, strength and movement deficits that may put you at an increased risk for falling, and work collaboratively with physicians and patients to reduce fall risk.
There are also steps you can take now to make your home environment safer. These include making sure walkways are well lit both in the day and at night, eliminating throw rugs and other tripping hazards, and possibly installing assistive devices like grab bars in the bathroom.
In Oak Ridge, Dr. Jocelyn Miller, PT, DPT at Pierce Physical Therapy, is currently offering free balance screenings for anyone experiencing problems with balance or walking.
A balance screening takes about 15 minutes. If you have concerns about your own fall risk or the fall risk of someone you love, call (865) 483-0383 today and schedule a screening. Results of the screening will be available immediately and can be communicated to your primary care physician upon request.