The Role of the Physiotherapist in Falls Prevention
Physiotherapists don't just treat Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, they treat respiratory conditions, neurological conditions and as the population ages more, they have an increased role in care of the elderly.
In my formative years, I spent a period of time helping rehabilitate people who are at an increased risk of falls, something I enjoy and a service I still offer today.
It's not only the elderly that are the risk of falls, anyone with a balance condition, for example; those who have had a stroke, have Parkinson's Disease or any neurological condition. Those with vestibular (hearing) conditions are at an increased risk of falls too.
So a physio gives them exercises, right?
Physiotherapists giving out exercises to help with balance is only a small aspect of falls prevention. The last time I was doing Falls Prevention for the NHS, I was given 90 minutes for the initial assessment in the patient's home. For those who understand the constraints of time within the NHS will understand that being with a patient for such a long period of time highlights just how multi-factorial the assessment is.
What do physios look at?
This picture highlights a significant factor for increased risk of falls: Slips and trip hazards. Spillages, clutter, occluded pathways in a home, torn carpets, rugs, mats, pets can increase the risk of someones falls.
A physiotherapist will also ascertain how much medication you are on, because side effects and quantities can increase your risk of falls. Your physiotherapist can recommend that your GP conduct a medication review for you, to streamline your medication list and therefore the symptoms correlated with falls prevention
Blood pressure is significant in falls prevention. I have been trained in how to take blood pressure to ascertain whether you have postural hypotension in other words; if you get up too quickly, do you get dizzy?
Is that it?
NO! A Falls Prevention physiotherapist will also discuss your hearing and eye sight. Whilst we are not trained optometrists or hearing specialists, we can discuss the risks of hearing and Falls and poor eyesight and Falls. Did you know?
Wearing bifocals as opposed to owning two sets of glasses significantly increases your risk of falls! Equally, your physiotherapist will conduct Universally recognised Falls Outcome Measures to ascertain your falls risk factors based on a set of routine daily tasks and how well you are able to perform this.
It's also important to remember that the client base that are an increase risk of falls are those who may suffer from cognitive deficits such as Dementia or Alzheimer's. Therefore, your Falls Prevention Physiotherapist can conduct a recognised "Mini-mental Test" to ascertain your risk of cognitive deficits. They can therefore make recommendations to your GP that you have further investigations if indicated. Why is Falls Prevention important?
In short, those who are at an increased risk of falls are those who are at an increased risk of suffering a fracture from those falls. One of the highest fracture risks is a fractured neck of femur, or hip. And sadly, the mortality rate from a fractured neck of femur is extremely high. So prevention is better than cure. That is why your Falls Prevention physiotherapist can also calculate your risk of osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) and whether you are indicated for a DEXA Scan and treatment accordingly.
Falls Prevention is something I am proud to be part of. If you know someone who you may feel would benefit from a Falls Prevention Assessment to reduce their risk of falls, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
