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What is fear of falling?
Fear of falling is an intense fear of falling or harming oneself when standing or walking. Falling can become a very real fear in many elderly people, which prevents them from continuing their daily activities or leaving the house. This can make people more susceptible to falls due to reduced balance and coordination, strength and exercise tolerance.
Fear of falling is more common in people who are sick and physically weak or people that have a history of falls.
Physiotherapy will improve your confidence and independence with everyday tasks and minimise the chances of falling.
Above: Mobility exercises using a rolator frame and close supervision of a physiotherapistPhysiotherapy for fear of falling
At Physio.co.uk, our specialised physiotherapists are experienced at treating people with a fear of falling. Physiotherapy treatment will improve your muscle strength, balance and fitness so that you feel more confident when doing everyday activities. Your physiotherapist will also support and advise throughout your rehabilitation programme so that you get the most out of your treatment. Physiotherapy will be centred on:
- Maintaining cardiovascular fitness
- Maintaining strong bones
- Improving muscle strength and flexibility
- Maximising mobility
- Improving functional ability
- Preventing falls
- Reducing fear and anxiety
- Increasing independence
- Structured exercise programme based around functional tasks and simple activities such as picking up something from the floor, doing housework or climbing the stairs.
- Weight shifting activities in standing to improve balance confidence
- Pacing techniques and relaxation skills to reduce fear of exercising
- Advice on daily low impact exercises such as walking or stationary cycling to maintain physical fitness
- Muscle strengthening and stretching exercises to maintain range of movement and improve functional ability
