A fall can shake an older adult’s confidence and make them less active. If you or a parent has started to feel unsteady, it helps to know what a physical therapy fall prevention program can involve.
It Begins With a Real Assessment, Not a Generic Workout
Rehab Solutions’ balance and fall prevention page says physical therapy starts with a thorough evaluation of your health and fall risk factors, followed by a personalized prevention program. It lists what evaluation and treatment may involve: strength testing, flexibility testing, walking patterns, your health history, sight and hearing screenings, blood pressure, assistive device use and education, footwear recommendations, and a review of your medications and side effects along with your physician.
What Are the Core Exercise Types in a Fall Prevention Program?
The same page lists the kinds of exercise that may be part of care:
- Strength training.
- Balance training.
- Flexibility exercises.
- Visual exercises.
- Functional exercises.
- Weight bearing exercises.
As the page puts it, everyone is different, so treatment programs will vary. That is why the evaluation comes first.
Does Insurance Usually Cover Fall Prevention Physical Therapy?
The balance and fall prevention page says that in most cases insurance will cover it, and the home page says “NO REFERRAL Required,” so you can contact Rehab Solutions directly to schedule an initial evaluation.
What Happens Between Visits
A personalized home program is one of the elements the page lists, along with sleep hygiene and risk reduction and modification education.
How Do Visual Exercises Fit Into Balance Care?
Visual exercises are on the list of treatment elements. If dizziness is part of the problem, balance and dizziness disorders are among the conditions Rehab Solutions treats, so mention it at your evaluation.
The home page says “We Are Available to See You for Your First Visit Within 24-48 Hours.” If you or someone you care about is dealing with unsteadiness, dizziness or a recent fall, you can request an appointment through the balance and fall prevention page. Rehab Solutions has clinics in Hampton, Newnan, Cusseta, Barnesville, Columbus (Midland), Fayetteville, Griffin, Meriwether (Manchester) and Thomaston.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does physical therapy improve balance?
It depends on what is behind the imbalance. Ask your therapist after the initial evaluation.
Is fall prevention PT only for people who have already fallen?
No. If you feel unsteady, are avoiding activities out of fear of falling, or have a health history that worries you, an evaluation is worth asking about.
What if a parent lives at home alone? Can PT still help?
A personalized home program and risk reduction and modification education are both among the elements the balance and fall prevention page lists, so raise the home situation at the evaluation.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to start a fall prevention program at Rehab Solutions?
No. The home page says “NO REFERRAL Required.” You can contact your nearest Rehab Solutions clinic directly or submit an appointment request online.
Will insurance pay for balance and fall prevention physical therapy?
The balance and fall prevention page says that in most cases insurance will cover it. Rehab Solutions also offers private pay therapy. Call your nearest clinic to check your own situation.