Physical Therapy Month: Using therapy, and other tools, to prevent falls

Did you know that October is National Physical Therapy Month?

According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of injuries and deaths in Americans 65 years or older. About one in four people in this age range experience a fall related injury or death every year. Common reasons for falls include general weakness related to aging or medications, light-headedness and dizziness, difficulty with vision and hearing, and conditions as home such as scatter/throw rugs, items too low to the floor, poor lighting and absence of grab rails in the bathroom.

Campbell County Health (CCH) has several services available to help prevent falls:

• Rehabilitation Services has non-hospital physical therapists that provide age and ability appropriate cardiovascular and strength training for muscle strength and stamina. Physical therapy also can help with dizziness and light-headedness. Rehabilitation Services also offers assistive devices including orthotics such as braces and lifts and prosthetics or artificial limbs. Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/rehab.
• For certain circumstances and needs, Home Health offers an in-home physical therapy program that includes a home cardiovascular and strength training program with a physical therapist. Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/homehealth.
• In the event an injury does occur The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center provides Short Term Rehabilitation with the goal for the patient to return home. Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/str.