Advanced PT. Fight The Fall

Advanced PT. Fight The Fall

HEALTH & FITNESS The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

When was the last time you had your balance checked? FIGHT THE FALL

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How Physical Therapy Can Help • Patient Results Exercises To Relieve Pain • Win A Gift Card

HEALTH & FITNESS The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

When was the last time you had your balance checked? FIGHT THE FALL No matter what age you are, your balance can always be improved - in fact, even those who do not live with a balance or gait disorder cans still suffer from balance-related injuries that occur from poor posture or reflexes.

• Put one foot directly in front of the other, so that one heel is touching the opposite toes. • Gently lift your hand up, but keep it close to the counter in case you need to grab it quickly. Try to hold this for 10 seconds (only do this if you feel safe or have someone nearby to help you).

However, if you frequently notice an imbalance, dizziness, or unsteadiness that makes you feel as if you may fall over at any given time, it is a sign that you may be living with a balance or gait disorder. Balance disorders, and balance issues in general, all stem from the vestibular system. The vestibular system is a delicate collection of fluid-filled chambers and sensory nerves located in the inner ear. Your vestibular system helps manage your “proprioception,” or sense of position, and when this is altered, it can be difficult to keep yourself steady. If you have been noticing issues with your balance, contact Advanced Physical Therapy today so we can help you figure out the root of your problem and treat it accordingly. HOW CAN I TELL IF I NEED TO IMPROVE MY BALANCE? It can sometimes be difficult to determine if your balance is in need of improvement. The simple test below may be an indicator that you should seek physical therapy intervention: • Stand barefoot next to a counter, sink, or chair with your hand gently grasping the counter surface.

• Now try it with your eyes closed.

• Do you wobble or lose your balance? This means your balance needs work.

According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), over 2.5 million adults were treated for nonfatal injuries in emergency departments in 2013. In older adults, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. Most people don’t think about keeping their balance in shape until it is too late and they suffer a harsh fall. The good news is that most falls can easily be prevented, simply by the regular exercising of your balance system. If you have recently sustained a balance-related injury, it is important to seek the help of a physical therapist immediately, in order to avoid additional injuries in the future.

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It is important to note that you should also contact a physical therapist if you have any of the following symptoms: • Dizziness or vertigo (“spinning” sensations, even when remaining still). • Abnormal eye movements. • Difficulty standing up from a seated position or standing for prolonged periods of time FIGHT THE FALL • Inability to focus or remain alert. • Double vision or tunnel vision.

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The make-up of your treatment plan will be dependent upon the origin of your balance issue. When you arrive at Advanced Physical Therapy, your physical therapist will walk you through a comprehensive exam in order to gauge the nature of your condition and figure out the best course of treatment for your needs. Whatever the case may be, all treatment plans will contain targeted balance exercises and stretches to help improve your core, vestibular system, and overall proprioception. Depending on your condition, vestibular rehabilitation and videonystagmography may also be included in your treatment plan. Are you ready to get back on your feet and decrease your risk of sustaining a balance-related injury? Contact Advanced Physical Therapy to schedule a consultation and get started today!

• Nausea or vomiting. • Arm or leg weakness.

WHAT’S CAUSING MY BALANCE ISSUES? There are several factors that can impact your balance. Just a few include: • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

• Poor posture. • Injury or ailment. • Neurological issues, such as brain injuries, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease.

• Meniere’s disease. • Vestibular neuritis. • Migraines.

Do you want a natural solution to improving your health? Gain your freedom from pain medication and avoid costly surgery with physical therapy!

We can help you: Naturally relieve stiffness and swelling. Prevent aches and stiffness. Be more active with your friends and family.

Have more energy. Feel better at work.

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Offer valid for the first 25 people to schedule. Expires 02-29-20 CALL TODAY: 316.283.7187 (Newton Location) or 620.327.3482 (Hesston Location) Mention or bring in this coupon today for a FREE Physical Therapy Screening

Exercise Essentials Try these exercises to improve your balance.

Helps With Balance

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Patient Results

Since therapy, I have not had any falls! Before therapy, I had extremely poor balance and had fallen several times. Since therapy, I have not had any falls! The combination of water and land therapy proved to be just the ticket for my rehab. I have been taught the skills to maintain my progress thanks to Advanced Physical Therapy.” - D.B. I’m able to go further before I get tired! Before therapy, I had balance problems and would shuffle my feet when I ‘walked.’ Since therapy, I keep my balance, I take steps now instead of shuffling my feet and am really walking. I’m able to go further before I get tired. I have a new sense of confidence and able to do more for myself.” -M.C. Since therapy, I feel more confident! Before therapy, my balance was only fair and I needed more strength in my legs to go further. Since therapy, I feel more confident, am learning how to protect myself against falling. I haven’t fallen in the last 2 weeks and am amazed how much therapy has helped me. Thank you, Advanced Physical Therapy!.” -M.M.

TAND EM WA L K - WA L L Stand with the fingertips of one, or both, hands resting on a wall. Place the feet ‘heel to toe’ with the left foot forward. Steady yourself in this position. Step forward with the right foot, placing the heel directly in front of, and touching, the toes of the left foot. Step forward with the left foot, placing the heel directly in front of, and touching, the toes of the right foot. Repeat this sequence, moving forward down the hallway. Reverse direction, moving backward down the hallway.

Strengthens Legs

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LUNG E Start by standing with feet shoulder-width-apart. Next, take a step forward and allow your front knee to bend. Your back knee may bend as well. Then, return to original position, or you may walk and take a step forward and repeat with the other leg. Keep your pelvis level and straight the entire time. Your front knee should bend in line with the 2nd toe and not pass the front of the foot. Repeat 10 times.

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