Maintaining your balance is something many people take for granted until it becomes a challenge. Whether due to age, injury, illness, or surgery, balance issues can dramatically affect your ability to enjoy everyday life. At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we offer a comprehensive Balance and Fall Prevention program through our physical therapy team to help you move with confidence and reduce your risk of falls.
Why Fall Prevention is So Important
Falls are a leading cause of injury for adults over the age of 65, with many falls resulting in fractures, head trauma, and long-term mobility limitations. Even falls that don’t cause injuries can lead to a fear of falling again, which often results in people avoiding activities that promote strength and mobility. This cycle of fear and inactivity can increase the risk of future falls.
The good news is that falls are preventable, and the first step is identifying your personal risk factors and addressing them with a tailored plan.
What to Expect from Our Balance and Fall Prevention Program
When you come to Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center for balance and fall prevention therapy, we begin with a comprehensive evaluation. This allows us to assess the strength, flexibility, and coordination of your muscles and joints, as well as your overall gait and posture. We may also evaluate your sensory input, such as vision and inner ear function, and use a fall risk screening tool to identify any specific areas of concern.
Once we have a clear understanding of your individual needs, we will design a treatment plan specifically tailored to your body, lifestyle, and goals. Your therapy will likely include a combination of exercises aimed at strengthening the lower body, improving core stability, and enhancing overall coordination.
In addition to strengthening exercises, we will guide you through balance retraining techniques that help improve your body’s ability to react and adjust to changes in position. These may include exercises that focus on standing or walking on unstable surfaces, practicing turning or reaching movements, and navigating obstacles. The goal is to teach your body how to react quickly and effectively to maintain balance, even in unpredictable situations.
Gait and posture correction is another key element of our program. Many people unknowingly develop poor walking or standing habits that can contribute to instability. During your therapy, we will assess your gait and provide corrective techniques to improve your walking pattern, foot placement, and overall posture.
As part of your therapy, we will also provide training on how to fall safely and how to recover from a fall if it occurs. While we work to prevent falls in the first place, it’s also important to know how to respond should a fall happen. We will teach you techniques to minimize injury, regain your footing, and remain calm if you do experience a fall.
Who Should Consider Balance Therapy?
Balance therapy is beneficial for anyone experiencing issues with stability or who has a heightened risk of falling. If you’ve had one or more falls in the past year, or if you feel unsteady when walking or standing, this program can help. It is also ideal for individuals who have recently had surgery, particularly hip, knee, or foot procedures, or those who are recovering from an injury.
For older adults, balance therapy can help maintain mobility and independence, reducing the fear of falling that can lead to decreased activity and further weakness. People with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease can also benefit from balance and fall prevention therapy. Even if you haven’t fallen yet, taking proactive steps to improve your balance can help you stay active and prevent future falls.
Take the First Step Toward Stability
If you’re ready to take control of your balance and reduce your risk of falls, we’re here to help. Don’t wait until a fall disrupts your life. Let the experts at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center in Charlottesville, VA, guide you on the path to better balance, strength, and mobility. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to learn more.
Our Providers
The providers at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center are highly skilled and experienced in their respective specialties.
Patient Resources
Explore our Patient Resource center for helpful information about our expert team, comprehensive services, informative blog, and how to easily connect with us.
Complimentary Movement Screening
Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center offers complimentary movement screenings to assess your movement, identify imbalances, and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re active, recovering, or want to move better, our expert phsycial therapists provide personalized recommendations for your long-term mobility and wellness.
Contact UsWhat Our Patients Say
I was impressed with the quality of service and the caring people throughout the visit, from the receptionist to the doctor seen. They truly care and are honest and professional.
We chose Charlottesville Orthopedic for my husband who was having knee issues, they are so advanced in options and explain all options!! Professional Staff !!
So helpful!! They got me in quickly after a bad ER experience. Everyone is so nice and will explain things and set up a game plan.
