<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>falls Archives - WWSPT.Com</title> <atom:link href="https://wwspt.com/category/falls/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://wwspt.com/category/falls/</link> <description>Healing, Function, Recovery, Health</description> <lastBuildDate>Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:19:35 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">215146180</site> <item> <title>Essential Physical Therapy Screening!</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/essential-physical-therapy-screening/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/essential-physical-therapy-screening/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 04 Apr 2024 17:49:56 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Crystals and Canals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Doylestown PA]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy Screening]]></category> <category><![CDATA[SAFE act]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vestibular disorders]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[World Health Organization]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=4366</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The Importance of Physical Therapy Screening for Risk of Falling and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Falling can happen at any age and cause a person significant injury. For someone over 65 years of age, falls are especially concerning. The World Health Organization recognizes falls as the second most common cause of unintentional death in […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/essential-physical-therapy-screening/">Essential Physical Therapy Screening!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>The Importance of Physical Therapy Screening for Risk of Falling and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Falling can happen at any age and cause a person significant injury. For someone over 65 years of age, falls are especially concerning. The World Health Organization recognizes falls as the second most common cause of unintentional death in the world (after car accident-related injuries) and states that<strong> “older people have the highest risk of death or serious injury arising from a fall, and the risk increases with age.”</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapists have long worked with people to figure out what is causing falls or balance problems and how to best reduce the risk of falling and improve balance. The best way to reduce injuries related to falling is to prevent it in the first place. Increased fall prevention awareness in recent decades has led to important new legislation known as the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act, or SAFE Act.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The SAFE Act includes a provision that primary care providers refer their patients to physical therapy for fall prevention evaluation and services if the person has fallen in the last year. Recent economic analysis of how health care is used has shown the cost-effectiveness of physical therapists’ care for fall-related services, mainly through reduced hospital and emergency room admissions.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> More than saving Medicare money, this bill is about improving people’s care and helping prevent injuries and death.</span></p> <p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Dr.-Greg-Synnestvedt-Testing.png" alt="" width="796" height="517" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Referral to Physical Therapy for fall-related services is ideal because physical therapists are uniquely qualified to evaluate and treat the most common causes of falling. Balance problems can have many contributing factors, including changes in vestibular function, vision, and cognition, decreased muscle power, reduced endurance, decreased sensation in the feet and joints, and changes in coordination. Physical therapists are trained to evaluate these areas, screen for these issues, and analyze how someone walks and moves in different situations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A <strong>vestibular physical therapist</strong> is particularly well suited to screen for benign paroxysmal vertigo, an issue that can both cause falls and be caused by falls. BPPV is an issue where tiny calcium carbonate crystals that are meant to be in one part of the vestibular system in the inner ear come loose and go into one of the semi-circular canals, which are little tubes that sense turning head movements</span></p> <p>_____________________________________</p> <p>1 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/falls<br /> 2 https://www.apta.org/news/2024/03/12/falls-legislation-safe-act<br /> 3 https://www.valueofpt.com/</p> <p>_____________________________________</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When the crystals move in the canals, they stimulate the inner ear and signal to the brain that the head is turning, even though it isn’t. This typically creates a false sense of movement, usually a spinning sensation called vertigo.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It turns out that not everyone who has BPPV experiences vertigo or even a dizziness sensation. Someone with BPPV may feel more off balance with movement due to the crystals being out of place but report no dizziness. When we test them with video goggles, however, we will see the classic involuntary eye movements, called nystagmus, used to diagnose BPPV accurately. Treating their BPPV through positioning maneuvers that guide the crystals out of the canals will help their balance improve.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A new study from a specialty falls and balance clinic in Melbourne, Australia, found that 1 in 4 patients they saw for falls risk who had BPPV had no symptoms of dizziness!</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> This is a great example of why we screen people for BPPV when there is a sudden change in balance function or a recent fall–even if they do not complain of dizziness.</span></p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Do-You-Suffer-From-dizziness-copy.png" alt="" width="639" height="800" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course, if a patient feels dizzy, this dizziness can also lead to a fall. Treating someone’s dizziness, understandably, will help reduce their risk of falling. This has now been supported by large-scale research. A 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that using physical therapy decreased fall risk in patients in the US who had dizziness.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The study found that 7% of adults being evaluated for dizziness had a fall resulting in a medical encounter within a year of experiencing dizziness. Receiving physical therapy within 3 months of the initial dizziness visit was associated with an 86% decrease in the odds of falling.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This underscores the value of physical therapy care—particularly by a physical therapist with training and expertise in treating dizziness—for those who have fallen or feel at risk of falling or for those who are experiencing dizziness. If your healthcare provider recommends you seek physical therapy care due to a fall, following through with the therapy is in your best interest. And if you are dizzy, you can reduce your risk of falling by receiving physical therapy. The physical therapists at WWSPT would be happy to help you reduce your risk of falling and feel more confident in your balance again. </span></p> <p>Dr. Greg Synnestvedt, PT, DPT,<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA.<br /> (215) 489-3234</p> <p>_____________________________________</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> 4 </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Susan Hyland, Lyndon J. Hawke & Nicholas F. Taylor (2024) Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo without dizziness is common in people presenting to falls clinics, Disability and Rehabilitation, DOI: </span><a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2320271"><span style="font-weight: 400;">10.1080/09638288.2024.2320271 </span></a></p> <p>5<span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Marmor S, Karaca-Mandic P, Adams ME. Use of Physical Therapy and Subsequent Falls Among Patients With Dizziness in the US. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> 2023;149(12):1083–1090. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2023.2840 </span></p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/essential-physical-therapy-screening/">Essential Physical Therapy Screening!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/essential-physical-therapy-screening/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4366</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Finding the Balance in Your Balance System</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jenna McLane PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2022 14:31:52 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Balanec Awareness Week]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bucks County Womens Journal]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Somatosensory System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[VeDa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Visual System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3555</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Is it uncomfortable for you to stand still while having an unexpected conversation? Are you looking for something sturdy to rest your hand on? Perhaps you second-guess invitations to picnics or sporting events because walking on the grass is challenging. Maybe you find yourself parking closer and closer to the shopping cart corral so that you […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/">Finding the Balance in Your Balance System</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Is it uncomfortable for you to stand still while having an unexpected conversation? Are you looking for something sturdy to rest your hand on? Perhaps you second-guess invitations to picnics or sporting events because walking on the grass is challenging. Maybe you find yourself parking closer and closer to the shopping cart corral so that you have something to lean on to get into the store.</p> <p>These are all typical behaviors reported in our physical therapy clinic. Not all patients come to us because they have vertigo or are spinning. Many people who arrive at our clinic report limiting their social activities and the hobbies they enjoy due to feeling less confident on their feet. Not all have fallen; some just experience stumbling and tripping at times.</p> <p>Balance, your body’s ability to keep your center of mass over your support base, is something we often take for granted until we struggle with it. Physical therapy can be beneficial in restoring your balance when it is compromised.</p> <p><img decoding="async" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Balance-Vision-Propreoceptors-Vestibular--scaled.jpeg" alt="" /></p> <p>Our bodies rely on peripheral feedback systems to give the brain the information it needs to stay upright and avoid falling. The three sensory systems include our vision, proprioception, and vestibular systems.</p> <p>First, let’s discuss the role your vision plays in balance. Your brain relies on this to learn how your body fits in the surrounding environment. For example, if you see people coming toward you or the ground is uneven up ahead, adjust accordingly.</p> <p>Next, you rely on information from your proprioceptors. These are the sensors in your joints, muscles, and skin that provide information to your brain about where your body is in space. Let’s pretend you are walking down a slope right now. Pressure from your shoe against your foot, a stretch to the muscles in front of your lower leg, and a slight bend in your knee inform your brain that you are on a decline. Someone with peripheral neuropathy, an artificial joint, or an injury can have impaired proprioceptive feedback.</p> <p>Lastly, the vestibular system also provides your brain with information about your movement in space. This is found in your ear, beyond the eardrum. The system has five end organs, including the utricle, saccule, and three semicircular canals. The utricle and saccule have small hair cells that detect horizontal and vertical acceleration, such as riding in a car or going up an elevator.</p> <p>The fluid-filled semicircular canals detect rotational movement in different planes. When your head turns, the left and right vestibular systems generate an impulse based on the fluid shift. This impulse travels to the brainstem and directs the appropriate muscular and visual responses that keep you moving smoothly. When both the left and right vestibular systems are healthy and work together, these adjustments are typically not noticed. But people with damage or weakness in one or both vestibular systems may feel unsteady on their feet, dizzy, or disoriented (as if their eyes are bouncing).</p> <p>When patients arrive at WWSPT with complaints of unsteadiness, we look at their whole medical picture. We thoroughly review their history to identify variables that may be influencing their balance. Do they have chronic back pain or diabetes that may impair their sensation? Have they been on medications that may impact the function of their vestibular system? Are they smokers, have they experienced migraines, and have trouble multitasking? These are just a few questions we may ask that are extremely helpful in identifying possible contributing causes to patients’ imbalance.</p> <p>After reviewing their history, we evaluate how they move. Is one hip weaker than the other? Are stairs difficult? Is there a difference when walking on a smooth indoor surface and going outside? Do busy environments suddenly make them reach for support?</p> <p>Next, we thoroughly evaluate their vestibular system and how the vestibular ocular reflex or VOR reflex works. We screen them for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and evaluate their balance statically and dynamically.</p> <p>First-time patients may feel intimidated by the “strange” exercises they see other patients doing in the gym. Our expertise in balance training allows us to incorporate patients’ individual goals into their therapy. Patients who struggle with talking to their friends while on a walk may be asked to walk, turn their heads, and simultaneously list their weekly grocery items. A hiker, who misses walking in the woods, may find him or herself stepping across our river rocks while wearing a weighted vest. We like to keep it interesting!</p> <p><img decoding="async" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/do-you-suffer-from-Dizziness-.png" alt="" /></p> <p>If you have noticed something doesn’t quite feel right in your movement, do not simply accept imbalance as a part of aging. If left untreated, this could lead to a fall. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in adults over 65. Enhancing your balance system through physical therapy can help you maintain your independence and the quality of life you enjoy. Be your advocate. Please get in touch with WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation, Doylestown, PA., for your balance assessment and treatment plan!</p> <p>Dr. Jenna L. McLane, PT, DPT,</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/">Finding the Balance in Your Balance System</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/finding-the-balance-in-your-balance-system/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3555</post-id> </item> <item> <title>WINTER IS HERE!!!!</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/winter-is-here/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/winter-is-here/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Nguyen PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 04 Jan 2022 20:15:57 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[alignment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[back pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ergonomic lifting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fatigue]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury prevention]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lift with your Legs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[physical activity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3312</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Right on Schedule … winter is here…   Winter is here and soon the snow will decorate our driveways and backyards which means the taxing chore of shoveling. Around this time we often see patients in the physical therapy clinic with back, shoulder, or leg injuries from shoveling. Here are some exercises to do and […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/winter-is-here/">WINTER IS HERE!!!!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Right on Schedule … winter is here…</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Winter-snnowman.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Winter is here and soon the snow will decorate our driveways and backyards which means the taxing chore of shoveling. Around this time we often see patients in the physical therapy clinic with back, shoulder, or leg injuries from shoveling. Here are some exercises to do and tips to keep in mind to avoid potentially hurting yourself.</p> <p>Stretch beforehand!</p> <p>Our bodies need to warm up before we start any heavy lifting or exercise to get the blood pumping through our muscles. If our bodies are cold and we go out in the cold, there is a higher possibility of straining our muscles. Here are some exercises you can do to warm up before going outside:</p> <ul> <li>Standing lumbar extension: with hands behind your low back, lean back as far as you can to stretch your back ten times.</li> <li>Standing hamstring stretch: with legs straight, bend over and reach towards your toes, hold for thirty seconds</li> <li>Neck stretches: bring your ear towards your shoulder and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat to the opposite side.</li> <li>Arm circles: arms out to the side and make small and big circles, go clockwise and counterclockwise ten times each.</li> <li>Squats: bend your knees and pretend like you are sitting in a chair, then stand up. Repeat ten times.</li> </ul> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Snow-Shovel.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>Lift with your legs!</p> <p>I am sure you have heard the expression “lift with your legs and not your back.” By using your legs and keeping your core tight, you are stabilizing your spine and using the bigger muscles in your legs, which will less likely cause injury. This is true for shoveling. The weight of the shovel plus packed in the snow on top is heavier than we expect. The act of moving and lifting should be coming from our legs. If you are bending over with your back and lifting the shovel, you are using your back muscles and are more likely to pull a muscle and experience pain. Getting your body behind the shovel and using the power of your legs to shovel the snow will help you get the job done.</p> <p>No twisting!</p> <p>When you throw the snow off to the side, make sure you don’t twist your back. Twisting is often the cause for back issues; it causes a lot of tension and pressure on your spine and makes it more prone to injury. You should move your whole body as a unit. Take small steps to turn your whole body while keeping the shovel close to your body to move the snow where you need it.</p> <p>Take breaks!</p> <p>I know it’s cold outside and you want to get the job done as quickly as you can, but it is important to give your body a break. Unless you are a landscaper, shoveling is not an activity you are doing year-round. Like with any activity, you want to build up your strength and endurance. Your body also likes movement and being in one position or repeating a movement over and over again can make it stiffer. So the process of shoveling can make your body stiffer and cause some pain. If you stop periodically to do one of the stretches as advised above you can avoid potential pain and soreness.</p> <p> </p> <p>If you follow these tips, you can stay pain-free for the cold days ahead. However, if you find yourself hurting, call us at WWSPT, 215-489-3234, and we can help you through your recovery.</p> <p>Dr. Amanda Nguyen PT DPT</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/winter-is-here/">WINTER IS HERE!!!!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/winter-is-here/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3312</post-id> </item> <item> <title>You Asked About Physical Therapy at WWSPT…</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/you-asked-about-physical-therapy-at-wwspt/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/you-asked-about-physical-therapy-at-wwspt/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelsey Krebs Hanlon, PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:41:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Concussion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury prevention]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joints]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Migraines]]></category> <category><![CDATA[musculoskeletal pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Parkinson's Disease]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[PT Treatments]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Somatosensory System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sprain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vestibular disorders]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Visual System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3289</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>When most people think of Physical Therapy, they think of somewhere that you go to recover after surgery or injury. Physical therapists are movement specialists, so it is true that we are the ideal provider for orthopedic injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation. We would be happy to assist you in returning to full function following an […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/you-asked-about-physical-therapy-at-wwspt/">You Asked About Physical Therapy at WWSPT…</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When most people think of Physical Therapy, they think of somewhere that you go to recover after surgery or injury. Physical therapists are movement specialists, so it is true that we are the ideal provider for orthopedic injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation. We would be happy to assist you in returning to full function following an injury to your knee, hip, back, neck, ankle, or shoulder. However, there are other specialties that physical therapists may treat of which many people are unaware.</p> <p>Our clinic specializes in vestibular rehabilitation. Vestibular refers to the balance system located in your inner ear. We treat patients for balance deficits/dizziness problems that may or may not be related to your inner ear. These diagnoses include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), neuronitis or labyrinthitis, concussion, Parkinson’s Disease, vestibular migraine, motion sensitivity, and general gait or balance dysfunction among others. Falls are the #1 cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults, so balance deficits and diminished balance confidence should not be left untreated. In addition, dizziness is NOT a normal symptom of aging and can contribute to falling. If you or someone you know is feeling dizzy, it is important to see a vestibular physical therapist to see if the issue can be addressed before it results in a fall which can lead to injury.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Group-with-Jenna-sit-stand.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Physical therapists also treat pelvic floor dysfunction. This can include incontinence, difficulty with bowel and bladder movements, pain with intercourse, postpartum and pregnancy-related pain and/or weakness, and other pelvic pain/dysfunction. While we at WWSPT do not specifically treat pelvic floor dysfunction, we would be happy to point you in the direction of a therapist who would be able to meet your needs.</p> <p>Because the hand is such an intricate and detailed body area, there are some physical therapists (and occupational therapists) that are certified, hand specialists. There are other physical therapists who specialize in treating the pediatric population. Others work in cardiac rehabilitation following heart attacks, strokes, and heart surgeries. Some physical therapists focus on the treatment of neurologic diagnoses such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or stroke.</p> <p> </p> <p>Because of the variety of specialties and abilities of physical therapists, we can be found in many different settings. You will find physical therapists at an outpatient clinic, a hospital, a nursing home, a school, or on the sideline at a sporting event.<br /> All newly licensed physical therapists must have a doctoral degree, or DPT, to practice. This means that practicing therapists either have many years of experience or 7 years of education after high school when they are treating you. You are in well-educated, caring, and capable hands. So take advantage of the wide variety of physical therapy care available to you in order to live your best life!</p> <p>Dr.Kelsey Hanlon, PT, DPT</p> <p>WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> 1456 Ferry Road<br /> Suite 601<br /> Doylestown, PA 18901</p> <p>P:215-489-3234</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/you-asked-about-physical-therapy-at-wwspt/">You Asked About Physical Therapy at WWSPT…</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/you-asked-about-physical-therapy-at-wwspt/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3289</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Why We Lose Our Balance</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/why-we-lose-our-balance/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/why-we-lose-our-balance/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Gregory Synnestvedt PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 20 Sep 2021 05:00:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Somatosensory System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Visual System]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3221</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Balance Awareness week – September 19 – 25 We often take our body’s ability to maintain our balance for granted … until we have issues with one of the systems that help us balance. This week is the Vestibular Disorders Association’s, VeDA, “Balance Awareness Week” which seeks to raise awareness of vestibular disorders and the […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/why-we-lose-our-balance/">Why We Lose Our Balance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Balance Awareness week – September 19 – 25</p> <p>We often take our body’s ability to maintain our balance for granted … until we have issues with one of the systems that help us balance. This week is the Vestibular Disorders Association’s, VeDA, “Balance Awareness Week” which seeks to raise awareness of vestibular disorders and the impact they have on people’s lives.</p> <p>Let’s take a look at the different systems that can impact a person’s balance. Vestibular therapy can involve a bit of “detective work” to figure out what exactly is causing dizziness or imbalance since the inner ear is not the only system involved in our equilibrium.</p> <p>There are 3 primary systems that give you your ability to balance: your<strong> vision, </strong>your<strong> somatosensory system, </strong>and your<strong> vestibular system (part of your inner ear).</strong></p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Three-systems.png" alt="" /></p> <p>Image via Research Gate.</p> <p>Let’s first examine your <strong>Visual</strong> system. If you close your eyes, you might notice that your body sways more and you have to work harder to stay balanced. This is because your eyes are no longer providing your brain with visual information about where you are and how you are moving. When we move, we perceive things moving past us which helps us know how we are moving.</p> <p>Next, your <strong>Somatosensory</strong> system, which includes everything from the sensation of touch on your skin to the sensations from your muscles, tendons, and joints, is also providing valuable information whenever possible to help you stay balanced. This system includes your proprioception or your sense of where your limbs and joints are positioned in space. If you suddenly step onto a small rock, you would feel the pebble under your shoe and you might feel your ankle position change and different muscles kick in–information that in a split second can help your brain keep you balanced.</p> <p>The third and final system is your <strong>Vestibular</strong> system, which is a fantastic little sense organ the size of your pinky nail which resides in your inner ear. The vestibular system gives your brain information about how your head is positioned and how your head is moving. If you close your eyes and begin to sway, your vestibular system will help detect and correct the swaying (in addition to your proprioception).</p> <p>In practice, the three systems work together with our brain, which makes sense of the inputs coming in and decides what adjustments, if any, need to be made to keep our balance.</p> <p>Because of the brain’s role in balance, being distracted can cause anyone of any age to lose their balance, trip, or fall. If one of your balance systems is compromised, standing or walking with good balance may require even more brainpower. That means that if your cognitive resources are being used to talk, recall something, or read something, you might be more likely to lose your balance.</p> <p> </p> <p>People often refer to vestibular and balance disorders as “invisible disorders” because issues with these balance systems or the integration of sensory inputs in the brain might not be visible with imaging and testing typically used to find diseases and disorders. However, balance problems are very real and can have serious consequences of injury. Thankfully, many are also treatable, with treatments such as vestibular therapy, which is partly why raising awareness of these disorders is so important. We see some patients who have been feeling off-balance or dizzy for months or even years who thought that this was just because they were a klutz or just because they were getting old.</p> <p>Don’t wait until your balance becomes a serious problem–learn why it is a problem and what you can do about it today!</p> <p> </p> <p>Dr.Greg Synnestvedt PT DPT.<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation,<br /> Doylestown, PA.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/why-we-lose-our-balance/">Why We Lose Our Balance</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/why-we-lose-our-balance/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3221</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Falls are NOT a normal part of Aging!</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/falls-are-not-a-normal-part-of-aging/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/falls-are-not-a-normal-part-of-aging/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jenna McLane PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 17 Sep 2021 17:57:27 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[aging process]]></category> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[CDC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Aging]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3108</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>A new report released from the CDC found that falls were responsible for 90% of injury-related Emergency Department and Hospital visits in those 65 and older. The information comes from a review of health care data from 2018 across 47 states. These findings are significant because falls are NOT a normal part of aging. […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/falls-are-not-a-normal-part-of-aging/">Falls are NOT a normal part of Aging!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A new report released from the CDC found that falls were responsible for 90% of injury-related Emergency Department and Hospital visits in those 65 and older. The information comes from a review of health care data from 2018 across 47 states. These findings are significant because <em><strong>falls are NOT a normal part of aging</strong></em>. <strong>Greater measures need to be taken to prevent falls, including Physical Therapy. </strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/BALANCE-IN-AGING.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When a patient is referred to WWSPT</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">for balance training, they receive an all-encompassing fall screen. This includes a strength assessment and thorough static and dynamic balance evaluations. Unlike many other physical therapy clinics, our therapists are all specially trained in screening for variables that may contribute to falls such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and other vestibular disorders. Some patients do not report the classic signs of vertigo but experience sudden onset falls and disequilibrium that can be due to underlying BPPV or vestibular dysfunction. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our therapists also assess functional mobility and screen for sensory changes such as peripheral neuropathy that can contribute to falls. In addition, we frequently monitor blood pressure in our at-risk patients. The combination of all this data helps us to tailor a specific program to our patient’s needs to help them function better and with more safety in everyday life. </span></p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/BIODEX-BALANCE-2021.png" alt="" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For comparison, this study points out that injuries due to car accidents only accounted for 7.8% of injury-related visits. So next time the family is discussing when it is time to stop letting “grandma” or “dad” drive, maybe they should also be discussing physical therapy for that family member to prevent falls. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In summary, this study is eye-opening. 90% of injury-related hospital visits are massive. Not only does this pose a real health and mortality risk for patients, but it is also a massive financial burden to the entire population and health care system. So please, if you notice you or a loved one is struggling with their balance don’t wait until a fall happens.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Do-you-suffer-from-dizziness.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Be proactive and schedule a Physical Therapy Balance Evaluation at WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation, Doylestown, PA. </span></p> <p>Dr. Jenna McLane, PT, DPT,<br /> WWS Physical therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation<br /> Doylestown, PA.</p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/falls-are-not-a-normal-part-of-aging/">Falls are NOT a normal part of Aging!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/falls-are-not-a-normal-part-of-aging/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3108</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Imbalance can be Debilitating!</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/imbalance-can-be-debilitating/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/imbalance-can-be-debilitating/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelsey Krebs Hanlon, PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 16 Sep 2021 18:49:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BPPV treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[VeDa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vertigo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vestibular disorders]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=2697</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>It’s almost Balance Awareness Week! September 19 – 25, 2021 Having a good balance is something that many of us take for granted, but many people, especially in the older population, experience imbalance on a daily basis that can be debilitating. There are three main systems that contribute to a person’s balance. The first is […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/imbalance-can-be-debilitating/">Imbalance can be Debilitating!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It’s almost Balance Awareness Week!<br /> September 19 – 25, 2021</p> <p>Having a good balance is something that many of us take for granted, but many people, especially in the older population, experience imbalance on a daily basis that can be debilitating.</p> <p>There are three main systems that contribute to a person’s balance. The first is the <strong>visual system</strong>, which most people rely on as the primary system for balance. This reliance can present problems in low-light situations such as nighttime, or with visual changes that occur with age. The second is our <strong>proprioception system</strong>, which involves the ability of receptors in the joints of our feet and ankles to sense their position, as well as sensation, which can be disrupted with certain diseases such as peripheral neuropathy. The final contributor is your <strong>vestibular system</strong>, which is the tiny center located in your inner ear responsible for sending information to your brain regarding head movements and positioning. There are various disorders that can impact the vestibular system, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), unilateral vestibular loss (UVL), and Meniere’s Disease.</p> <p> </p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/balance.png" alt="" /></p> <p>There are also other factors that can impact balance including leg strength and flexibility, hearing, brain injury, and cognitive function. Staying active and keeping up with yearly hearing and vision examinations can help to prevent imbalance. While people tend to associate a declining balance with age, many do not realize that balance can be improved. This can be essential for decreasing fall risk, which is significant because The World Health Organization lists fall(s) as the second leading cause of accidental injury and death worldwide.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Balance-come.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>Physical Therapists, especially those who specialize in vestibular rehabilitation at WWSPT, are able to assess the contributing factors to your balance and design an exercise program that focuses on these deficits. The program may include leg strengthening and flexibility exercises, balance exercises, and head and eye movement exercises designed to improve the function of your vestibular system. If you are feeling less confident with your balance, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or a physical therapist and request a consultation. It’s never too late to improve your balance and your confidence!</p> <p> </p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Balance-Go.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>A simple exercise that can be done to work on balance is to stand near a stable surface with your feet together. The goal would be to maintain this position for 30 seconds. This exercise can be progressed to standing with feet together with one foot slightly in front of the other, standing with one foot directly in front of the other, and to balancing on only one leg. As a general rule, the activity should be challenging but not so hard that you are unable to complete it for at least 8-10 seconds. To make a position more challenging, you can close your eyes (removing your vision and therefore one of your balance systems completely!), but remember that this will make the exercise much harder, and be sure that you are able to grab onto the stable surface if needed to avoid a fall. Try to perform this exercise 1-2 X per day if possible.</p> <p>Dr. Kelsey Hanlon, PT, DPT<br /> WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation,<br /> Doylestown, PA.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/imbalance-can-be-debilitating/">Imbalance can be Debilitating!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/imbalance-can-be-debilitating/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2697</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Healthy Aging: Be Proactive!</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/healthy-aging-be-proactive/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/healthy-aging-be-proactive/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kelsey Krebs Hanlon, PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jun 2021 13:30:44 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[BCWJ]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brain Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dynamic stretching]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Food]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Aging]]></category> <category><![CDATA[injury prevention]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[movement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nutrition]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nutrition and Healthy Eating]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3089</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>“Getting old ain’t for sissies, but it’s better than the alternative.” My patients often lament the woes of aging. While there are challenges that come along with growing older, there are ways to be proactive about promoting healthy aging. (image Evolution from Birth to Seniority) Arguably, the simplest but sometimes most challenging thing that you […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/healthy-aging-be-proactive/">Healthy Aging: Be Proactive!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>“Getting old ain’t for sissies, but it’s better than the alternative.” My patients often lament the woes of aging. While there are challenges that come along with growing older, there are ways to be proactive about promoting healthy aging. (image Evolution from Birth to Seniority)</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Woman-stages-of-aging.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>Arguably, the simplest but sometimes most challenging thing that you can do as you age is to be active. Countless studies have shown that seniors who <strong>exercise regularly and remain physically active </strong>reap benefits that include maintaining function and independence, preventing or treating chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, and improving fatigue.</p> <p>When considering an exercise program, you want to incorporate three main categories of exercise. <strong>Balance </strong>exercises decrease your risk of falling, which is a major contributor to disability in elders. <strong>Flexibility </strong>exercises maintain movements important for daily activities. <strong>Strengthening </strong>exercises maintain muscle strength and decrease the risk of osteoporosis. If you are not sure where to focus your exercise program, a physical therapist is able to develop a routine tailored specifically to your individual needs.</p> <p>Your exercise program should also include some form of <strong>cardiovascular exercise </strong>which involves increasing your heart and respiratory rates to keep your heart and lungs healthy. The World Health Organization recommends that seniors get at least <strong>150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise or 75 minutes </strong><strong>of vigorous-intensity cardiovascular exercise per week</strong>. If you imagine a 10-point scale where 0 is resting in bed and 10 is running for your life, moderate-intensity exercise is a perceived exertion of 3 to 5 out of 10. This means that you should be a little out of breath and a little sweaty but still be able to carry on a conversation. Vigorous-intensity exercise is exercising at a 6 to 7, where you are slightly more out of breath and a conversation would be difficult but not impossible.</p> <p> </p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Squats.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>For someone who has been more sedentary, seated exercise may be enough intensity, while a more- active person may need to do a brisk walk or even a light jog. Be sure to pick something that you <strong>enjoy</strong>: remember that you need to exercise 75-150 minutes per week! Examples of cardiovascular exercise include walking, running, biking, swimming, rowing, dancing, and water aerobics. As long as it makes you a little tired and a little sweaty, it counts! Always speak with your doctor before beginning an exercise program to ensure that your heart and lungs are healthy enough to tolerate the increased workload.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Senior-women-Active.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>It is also recommended to make daily changes to your routine to <strong>be as active as possible</strong>. Take the stairs rather than the elevator, park farther away from the store, or stand up and sit down from your chair a few times per hour.</p> <p>In addition to regular exercise, <strong>nutrition </strong>is important for a healthy lifestyle, and our nutritional needs change as we get older. A good source of information for seniors is MyPlate.gov, where you can interact with and learn about the five different food groups and the proportions important for a healthy diet. It is important to eat a <strong>varied diet</strong> since different foods provide different nutrients. You may also need to speak with a doctor or nutritionist about vitamin supplements if you are not fulfilling your requirements with your dietary intake. It is always important to talk with a professional prior to taking any supplements since more is not always better and supplements can interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Balanced-diet.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>Mental health is just as important as physical health as we age. <strong>Hobbies, socializing, and leisure activities </strong>can promote higher levels of happiness and lower levels of depression in older adults. Studies have shown that people who participate in <strong>“meaningful activities”</strong>, such as volunteering in the community, report feeling healthier and happier. People who are socially isolated have higher risks of depression and dementia compared to their peers. This has been an issue during the pandemic, as many people’s social circles have shrunk and people have been spending more time at home. Thankfully, the weather is getting warmer and more people are vaccinated, increasing the opportunity to socialize safely with family and friends. <a href="https://www.nia.nih.%20gov/health/participating- activities-you-enjoy">The National Institute on Aging</a> has numerous resources online including this page with information on participating in activities that you enjoy.</p> <p>Getting older doesn’t have to mean a lower quality of life, but it is important to be proactive about your health. Medicare covers a number of <strong>preventive and screening services </strong>(for a full list, visit https://www.medicare. gov/coverage/preventive- screening-services). Many people assume that pain and dizziness come with age. While it may be normal to experience some aches and pains as we get older, <strong>pain that limits your participation in daily life should be evaluated by a doctor or physical therapist</strong>. The earlier that you get attention, the more likely you will be to achieve pain relief.</p> <p><strong>Dizziness is not a normal part of aging and can contribute to an increased risk of falling. </strong>If you are dizzy, please seek treatment. Some physical therapy clinics such as ours at WWSPT specialize in the treatment of dizziness, which is also known as <strong>vestibular therapy</strong>. WWSPT Staff is available to help you maintain your function and quality of life well into your senior years.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/aging"><strong>Department of Health</strong> and Human Services</a>, the <a href="https://www.ncoa.org/"><strong>National </strong>Council on Aging</a>, and the <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/">National Institute on Aging </a>are great resources for additional information on healthy aging.</p> <p> </p> <p><img decoding="async" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/sigFB-e1544021431766.jpg" alt="" width="151" height="150" /></p> <p>Dr.Kelsey Hanlon, PT, DPT,</p> <p>WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation</p> <p>Doylestown, PA.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/healthy-aging-be-proactive/">Healthy Aging: Be Proactive!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/healthy-aging-be-proactive/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3089</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Falls and Instability is not considered to be a normal part of the Aging Process</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/falls-and-instability-is-not-considered-to-be-a-normal-part-of-the-aging-process/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/falls-and-instability-is-not-considered-to-be-a-normal-part-of-the-aging-process/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Cassie Zanolini, PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2021 23:19:21 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Aging]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Orthopedic Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Physical Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[vestibular disorders]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3076</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>This week is the Vestibular Disorders Association’s (VEDA) Steps-2-Balance week. There are many different causes of vestibular disorders and balance issues. Many believe that instability is a normal part of aging. As we grow older, we stumble more often or lose our balance more easily. However, falls and instability is not considered to be a […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/falls-and-instability-is-not-considered-to-be-a-normal-part-of-the-aging-process/">Falls and Instability is not considered to be a normal part of the Aging Process</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This week is the Vestibular Disorders Association’s (VEDA) Steps-2-Balance week. There are many different causes of vestibular disorders and balance issues. Many believe that instability is a normal part of aging. As we grow older, we stumble more often or lose our balance more easily. However, <em><strong>falls and instability is not</strong> considered to be a normal part of the aging process</em>.</p> <p>To maintain balance and navigate obstacles in the world, our various systems; vision, hearing, sensory systems, and vestibular systems, need to work together and integrate information. Over time these systems, explained more fully below, can become impaired, and impact one’s balance.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Balance-senior.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p><strong>Vision</strong> – Visual input from our eyes is important in detecting obstacles, changes in terrain, and depth. Age commonly results in visual changes, which then impact balance. Difficulty with contrast and depth perception may make performing steps or curbs difficult. Cataracts and other eye changes may result in clouding of the lens and impaired sight.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Hearing</strong> – External sources of sound can help give our brain reference points. Auditory cues that come from our environment can help our brain build a better representation of spatial awareness. Natural aging and exposure to loud sounds throughout a lifetime contribute to hearing loss. Impaired hearing may contribute to difficulty with sound differentiation, spatial awareness, and even postural alignment.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Sensory systems</strong> – Proprioceptive information comes from our muscles and joints and lets the brain know where our body is in space. Sensory input from our skin, in particular the bottoms of our feet, provide our brain with information about the type of surface that we are on. Neuropathy and other age-related changes can impair these systems, giving our brain less input. This would make it more difficult to balance on one foot or on more compliant surfaces.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Vestibular system</strong> – Information from this inner ear system provides the brain with input regarding equilibrium and motion. This helps us to maintain our balance with head movement, as well as coordinate eye and head movement. Various vestibular disorders can impact this system, resulting in impairment, instability, and dizziness.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Balance-Rails.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>In static stance, these systems all work together in order to maintain balance. However, if one of these systems is impaired, then our stance becomes less quiet and we exhibit more sway. For example, if you stand with your feet together on the ground you may notice that your stance is fairly steady. If you close your eyes, impairing the visual input to the brain, your stance likely becomes more unsteady. This also occurs if you repeat the activity on a soft or foam surface, which would impair sensory input to the brain causing you to rely more heavily on information from your vestibular system.</p> <p> </p> <p>Age-related changes impacting these systems directly impact your balance.</p> <p>If you or someone that you know is having a balance issue, it may be beneficial to get each of these systems evaluated. Our staff at WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation, Doylestown, PA., can provide you with information, exercise, and balance training to improve your confidence and help you meet your goals.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Dr. Cassie Zanolini, PT, DPT, </strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/falls-and-instability-is-not-considered-to-be-a-normal-part-of-the-aging-process/">Falls and Instability is not considered to be a normal part of the Aging Process</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/falls-and-instability-is-not-considered-to-be-a-normal-part-of-the-aging-process/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3076</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Why do people associate aging with increased risk for falls?</title> <link>https://wwspt.com/why-do-people-associate-aging-with-increased-risk-for-falls/</link> <comments>https://wwspt.com/why-do-people-associate-aging-with-increased-risk-for-falls/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Cassie Zanolini, PT, DPT]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2021 22:21:30 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[aging process]]></category> <category><![CDATA[balance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brain Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dizziness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[falls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Healthy Aging]]></category> <category><![CDATA[movement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Orthopedic Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[orthopedic treatment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WWSPT]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://wwspt.com/?p=3069</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Why do people associate aging with an increased risk for falls? Is that just a normal part of the aging process? My answer to that is “NO.” As a clinician who treats patients with balance impairments on a daily basis, I have noticed a common trend. The aging patient who feels unsteady has significantly reduced […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/why-do-people-associate-aging-with-increased-risk-for-falls/">Why do people associate aging with increased risk for falls?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Why do people associate aging with an increased risk for falls? Is that just a normal part of the aging process?</p> <p>My answer to that is “NO.” As a clinician who treats patients with balance impairments on a daily basis, I have noticed a common trend. The aging patient who feels unsteady has significantly reduced their level of physical activity since entering retirement. They went from a 9-5 job getting them up and out of the house, to a more relaxed routine filled with sleeping in and watching a lot of television. Sometimes I feel retirement can advance aging. That is if that person does not have a plan to keep them active in retirement.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Retirement-active.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>The more active we stay throughout our life, the stronger our balance systems remain. Just like a muscle, your balance has to be worked daily to maintain its strength. So, if you are recently retired or know someone who is about to enter that next stage of their life, encourage them to continue living a dynamic lifestyle!</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://wwspt.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Walking-10000-Steps.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>A Few Tips for Staying Active After Retirement</p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Find the Right Surroundings…It may mean finding a new place to call home.</li> <li>Create an Exercise Plan… It is a fantastic way to stay active after retirement.</li> <li>Find a New Purpose …</li> <li>Stay Socially Connected. …</li> <li>Work Your Mind. … Challenge yourself.</li> <li>Take a Class. … or two.</li> <li>Always Prioritize Your Health …</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Some of my favorite options are volunteering or joining an exercise group! Whatever you decide to do, just get out there, keep moving, and enjoy!</p> <p> </p> <p>Danielle DeMarco, PT, DPT,</p> <p>WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation</p> <p>Doylestown, PA.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://wwspt.com/why-do-people-associate-aging-with-increased-risk-for-falls/">Why do people associate aging with increased risk for falls?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://wwspt.com">WWSPT.Com</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://wwspt.com/why-do-people-associate-aging-with-increased-risk-for-falls/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3069</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>