Examination: Specific testing is completed using standardized scoring tools which are reliable and valid. These scores are compared to norms and a determination is made regarding the degree of falls risk the patient has. Strength, posture, gait and range of motion as well as neurologic assessments are included in the overall examination to better establish the underlying reason for the balance losses.
Treatment Interventions: Therapeutic exercises are prescribed to be done both with the therapist and in the home. Balance and strengthening are incorporated into the programs and safe programs are prescribed. If there is a high falls risk the patient is treated in the clinic 1-3x/week. If the falls risk is not as critical to safety, we understand improvements take time and the patients are often advised to work on their own for a period of time. They are then brought back into the clinic for exercise program updates.
