Fall Risk: Who is at Risk and How to Prevent Them

800 560 Joe Casciani PhD

Fall Risk: Who is at Risk and How to Prevent Them

We are pleased to invite Dr. Hannah Freiboth, a Physical Therapist, to this Podcast. This is a conversation about ways older adults can avoid falls. We look at the incidence of falls in this age group and the consequences or results of a fall. Learn how to assess our own risk of falling. Our guest brings her experience as a Physical Therapist to this Podcast. She shares her recommendations for both our physical person and our home, so we don’t become another statistic.

What is “fall risk?” How can we address the “modifiable” risk factors? How we can reduce those risk factors that are “non-modifiable,” like reduced sensitivity in our feet?

In her recommendations, Hannah discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy physical condition, especially balance and strength. She also discusses how modifying our environment is also a good risk management strategy. Learn more about this important topic by tuning in.

Mini Bio

Dr. Hannah Freiboth is a physical therapist currently working in an acute care hospital setting. While her caseload includes a variety of conditions, she has developed a passion for helping older adults remain living safely at home. That is, remaining in their own home without assistance. Hannah received her Bachelor of Arts undergraduate degree with a major in Biology from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. She then earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from University of Jamestown Physical Therapy Program. There she graduated with an award in excellence in evidence based practice.

Combined with her easy-going personality and love for how physical therapy can help others, people find it effortless to connect with Hannah. This is on both a personal and professional level. She can be found serving her audience on social media as “Revitalize Physical Therapy” or in her private group “Revitalize Your Balance: No More Falls.”

3 comments
  • Diana Nilsen

    I am 74 yrs ago, had my first vestibular fall about 15 yrs ago. In the prime of my life. I have spent the last 15 years trying to get my life back. I wAS AN AVID SPORTS PERSON, A DOER NOT A WATCHER. In the beginning I could control the episodes. As time went on it got harder to control. I tried therapy, charting my brain, exercise, I was a Polynesian dancer in shows, my husband and I were ballroom and country western dancers and even competed a little. Then the falls got worse. No one taught me, or helped me try to control the. All my many doctors said was “don’t bend over”. What does that mean. I lost the ability to drive. I lost the ability to walk without embarrassing my family. My first granddaughter is getting married this year. I can’t even attend the wedding without being pathetic. I lost my control. No more dance; I’ll fall. No driving; I’ll cause an accident. No more exercise, though my general practitioner reminds me every time I go in his office to exercise 180 minutes a day,, 6 days a week and strength training 2 times a week. How do I do that.? I bought a balance board to strengthen my balance. I have had it for a year and find difficulty stepping up with my 2nd foot. I used to enjoy stair climbing. Can’t do that step down without catching the rail.

    Looking for guidance.

    Diana

    • Joe Casciani PhD

      Diana, this has been a tough road for you. Especially adjusting to the abrupt change in your very active lifestyle. I can comment on your perseverance and determination, but I’m going to copy our podcast guest, Hannah Freiboth, to ask for any insights she may have, though she likely can’t practice out of her state due to licensing requirements. She may have some useful recommendations.

      As for your attitude, I always say process is more important than content. In other words, pursuing this struggle and looking for solutions is so important and necessary, even with the frustration. Also, be sure to recognize the positives, e.g., the strengths that you still have. When focusing on the losses, we sometimes overlook the good that’s still there.

      Joe

    • Hannah Freiboth

      Hello Diana,

      I am sorry to hear your tough luck in regards to what sounds like losing numerous aspects of your independence.

      It is difficult to address your concerns over writing and as Dr. Joe had mentioned, I am not legally able to practice in a different state other than North Dakota. I will offer some information that you can take as you see fit.

      There are three main components to your balance: proprioception, vision and vestibular. It sounds that your balance impairment is related to your vestibular system. This is located in your deep inner ear and is complex but basically, it keeps your body’s equilibrium. Another way to explain: it is a communication between your body and brain that helps your brain know where your body is at in space (which is also coordinated with your proprioception and vision).

      In your inner ear (vestibular system), there is a series of semicircular canals filled with fluid and crystals with little hairs. When your head/body moves, that fluid moves and the little hairs on the crystals pick up that sensation and send that message to your brain telling it where your head/body is at in space. (Again, trying to simplify this for you). So, if there is a disruption in this process it can really make a person feel dizzy or off-balance. There are a multitude of reasons why there can be a disruption.

      My best advice is to seek out a physical therapist that specializes in vestibular disorders. It sounds like you are motivated to improve your current function, so doing your research on who can best suit your needs is going to make a difference. You may even consider calling different PT clinics and speaking to the therapist about your current condition.

      Hopefully this helps. Let me know if you have questions.

      I have also sent you an email with this same information!

      Hannah Freiboth, PT, DPT
      hannah@revitalpt.com
      https://www.facebook.com/revitalphysicaltherapy

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