Make The Season A “No-Fall” Fall With Physiotherapy

September 2024 Newsletter

Do you ever feel as unsteady as an autumn leaf swept up in the wind? Dizziness and vertigo are two common risk factors for falling – but there are many more. Furthermore, falls are a serious matter, as they’re one of the leading causes of hospitalization and injury among older adults. Fortunately, physiotherapy can help you find your balance.

At Key Physiotherapy, we offer personalized fall prevention services to help older adults (or anyone with balance difficulties) stay on their feet. With the fall equinox coming up, now’s a great time to evaluate your own fall risk and get started on a dedicated fall prevention plan.

Am I At A High Risk of Falling?

A single factor won’t put you at a high risk of falling. Instead, experts evaluate fall risk by looking at the number of fall risk factors someone has. Here’s a handy checklist of fall risk factors that can help can help give you a general idea of your own risk:

• Advanced age (60 years or older)
• Being female (women are more likely to suffer falls than men)
• Joint pain, including from arthritis
• Spells of dizziness or vertigo (a spinning sensation)

• Decline in vision or hearing
• Impaired balance or gait
• Weakness in the lower body
• Sedentary lifestyle

• Use of medications that can cause dizziness or balance issues
• Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s
• Stroke survivor
• A history of falls

This is by no means an exhaustive list, however. Our physiotherapists can give you a complete picture of your fall risk.

A Personalized Fall Prevention Plan

Of course, understanding your fall risk is only part of the puzzle. A customized fall prevention plan is the key to reducing your risk and helping you avoid fall-related injuries.

Our therapists will work with you to design a program that suits your needs, helping to address the following:

Through both targeted and general exercise programs, dedicated balance training, and information about assistive devices and mobility aids, we’ll help reduce your fall risk so you can stay active – this fall and beyond.

Salmon Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound salmon fillet
• 1 tbsp hot pepper sauce
• 1 large egg white
• Cooking spray
• 8 slices focaccia, toasted

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Combine hot pepper sauce and egg white in a small bowl; add egg white mixture to salmon mixture, stirring well to combine. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add salmon patties, and cook 3 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Serve patties on toasted focaccia.