ChoicePT_Stay Upright and Active During Winter Weather

DON’T LET THE COLD KEEP YOU INSIDE

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THERAPY? The first thing you should know about therapy for balance is that this kind of therapy is not a “one size fits all” approach. Your program will be specific to your needs and wants and fit into your lifestyle. Some of the interventions you can expect to experience at Choice Physical Therapy are: Strengthening exercises: These exercises will address muscle weakness which is often a primary contributing factor to poor balance and falls during winter weather. With strength and balance training, patients are better equipped to recover from unexpected lapses in gait or a momentary loss of balance to prevent falls. Gait training: Gait training will include activities to improve gait mechanics and increase your confidence and safety in navigating across different terrains (icy sidewalks, porches, parking lots) and around various obstacles, such as snow. Our physical therapists will also evaluate the need for an assistive device or perhaps adjust the device you are currently using. Static and dynamic balance training. This kind of training will be incorporated into your physical therapy treatment to help your

body learn how to better respond to environmental challenges to their balance. For example, you may be asked to stand on one leg while performing a mentally-challenging task, such as reciting the alphabet or reading a paragraph of text out loud. Our physical therapists will also teach you balance strategies to help mitigate fall risk. Endurance training may improve muscle endurance and improve aerobic capacity for activity. Both will reduce fatigue as a risk factor for falls when walking or completing daily tasks. CONTACT US TODAY FOR A BALANCE ASSESSMENT Choice Physical Therapy wants our patients to feel safe and confident in their mobility and balance. Winter can be a difficult time for those with compromised balancing abilities; however, with the help of a physical therapist at our clinic, it doesn’t have to be! Call us today to have your balance assessed this snowy season. We can determine if you are at risk for falls, show you how to prevent them, and address any pain or discomfort you may be having. The well-being of our patients is important to us, no matter what season we’re in!

EXERCISE ESSENTIALS

TRY THIS EXERCISE TO STRENGTHEN YOUR HIP

HIP FLEXION | BENT KNEE Strengthen your hip by first standing with good posture. Lift one leg up. Return to the start position

with control. Repeat 10 times on each side. Use a chair or wall for balance if needed.

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