H E A L T H+WE L L N E S S N EWS L E T T E R
FINDING YOUR BALANCE
P T C AN HE L P R E DUC E YOUR R I S K F OR FA L L- R E L AT E D I N J UR I E S
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Chris Bocker, OTR/L Neurorehabilitation, Post Concussion, Hand Therapy, Nerve Entrapment Syndromes Christopher Bocker is a
Did you know that 1/3 of the population over 65 falls each year? Every 11 seconds, an older adult is rushed to the emergency room for a fall. Every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 2.5million adults were treated for nonfatal injuries in emergency departments in 2013. In older adults, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. Most people don’t think about keeping their balance in shape until it is too late and they suffer a harsh fall. The good news is that most falls can easily be prevented, simply by the regular exercising of your balance system. If you have recently sustained a balance-related injury, it is important to seek the help of a physical therapist immediately, in order to avoid additional injuries in the future. It is important to note that you should also contact a physical therapist if you have any of the following symptoms: • Dizziness or vertigo (“spinning” sensations, even when remaining still). • Inability to focus or remain alert. • Double vision or tunnel vision. • Nausea or vomiting. • Arm or leg weakness. • Abnormal eye movements. • Difficulty standing up from a seated position or standing for prolonged periods of time.
board-certified Occupational Therapist, educated at the University of Puget Sound, the University of Montana, and St. Joseph’s University. Chris became interested in musculoskeletal function, bio-mechanics and neurology of movement as a research assistant at the University of Montana’s Flight Lab. Through a National Science Foundation research grant, Chris studied the neuromuscular control of flight and the kinematics and aerodynamics of wing and tail function in birds. For the last 24 years, Chris has specialized in neurorehabilitation. He has developed expertise in central and peripheral nervous system disorders including spine and brain injuries, as well as musculoskeletal injuries of the upper extremity, including nerve entrapment syndromes, repetitive strain dysfunctions and hand injuries.
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