Physical Therapy Improves Balance and Prevents Falls

Dr. Jerry Moczerniuk has submitted the following article for publication in the Greater Media Newspaper:

Physical Therapy Improves Balance and Prevents Falls. 

By: Jerry Moczerniuk PT, DPT

Research has shown that approximately 1/3 of all adults over the age of 65 suffer from at least one fall annually, the prevalence increases to 50% in adults over the age of 80. My goal for writing this article is to help the reader understand the reasons why adults over the age of 65 fall, and how to decrease the risk for falls in such population.

Falls are not only an inconvenience, but have also contributed in a major way to health care costs and disability in the older adults. Studies have shown that 20% of falls require some sort of medical attention. Furthermore, up to 10% of people who suffer from a fall sustain major injury such as major contusion/laceration, head trauma and disabling fractures. Fractures are a greater risk for patients with osteoporosis.  You may also be surprised to find out that complications from falls are the leading cause of death from injury in adults over the age of 65.

There are multiple reasons why people fall and they include prior history of falls, visual deficits, gait abnormality, lower extremity weakness, arthritis, balance deficits, and environmental hazards.  As we age balance regresses, joints become more arthritic, flexibility decreases and reaction time slows down.   However balance impairments can be improved and the risk for falls can be reduced, with practice!

Medical studies show effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in treatment of balance dysfunction and therefore decreasing the risk for falls. Exercise programs may target strength, balance, flexibility, or endurance. Programs that contain two or more of these components reduce rate of falls and number of people falling.

A skilled physical therapist is capable of accurately diagnosing balance dysfunction and risk for falls by a comprehensive evaluation including history taking, physical examination, as well as functional/balance tests. At db Orthopedic Physical Therapy we also utilize our Biodex Biosway system, a balance system created for accurate assessment of balance dysfunction and training purposes.  The system allows us to establish a balance baseline, train, and later re-assess the patient to determine progress.

Physical Therapy treatment should be patient specific and based on needs established during initial evaluation. Most often it will consist of a combination of balance activities, functional training, strengthening and stabilization exercises, as well as environmental awareness/modification training with the patient.

Feel free to contact our office if you or someone you know has suffered from falls in the past, or you simply want to find out whether you are at risk for falls. We can accurately assess your risk and establish a plan of care that improves your quality of life, and minimizes your risk for falls.

Dr. Moczerniuk is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, member of American Physical Therapy Association, and a Clinical Director at db Orthopedic Physical Therapy of Manalapan LLC, located at 120 Craig Rd. Suite 2. Dr. Moczerniuk can be reached at 732-462-2162 or via e-mail at Jerry@dborthopt.com. You can also find out more about our practice at dborthopt.com

Baseline Concussion Testing for Old Bridge Junior Knights Ice Hockey league on Sept 30th!

Another youth sports league has signed on with ConcussionRXcare to provide baseline concussion testing for their athletes. Old Bridge Junior Knights Ice Hockey league has been promoting baseline testing for its players over the past several months and has begun the process by providing on-site testing, Sept 30th from 5:30-7:30pm at the OB Recreation center.  Learn more at www.oldbridgejuniorknights.com

Why is baseline concussion testing so important? Read this tragic story please

This story illustrates why the program at ConcussionRXcare is so important for every athlete!

1. ImPact testing in group settings is unreliable at times
2. Balance testing would have prevented this tragedy
3. Having an independent professional send reports and recommendations to MD before clearing the athlete.

Please tell everyone you know to have their athlete 10 years of age and older to get tested at www.concussionRXcare.com.

Read the story published in the Asbury Park Press

Dr. Bertone will be speaking at RBC high school on Concussions in Youth Sports – Wed, Sept 25th 7-9pm

This important event sponsored by ConcussionRXcare, Jersey Shore University Hospital and RBC Athletic Department will cover the epidemic of sports related concussions and the latest research regarding recovery, rehabilitation and baseline testing. There will also be a review of the Concussion Management Program created for RBC High School.

Download the flyer for more information or call 732-747-1262.

db Ortho PT develops a relationship with JMPOWERU.com!

High end athletes can now access the services of World Champion Powerlifter and strength coach Joe McAuliffe at JMPOWERU.com.  His training programs have helped many athletes become champions and move on to college and professional sports.  You can find out more about Joe and his programs at www.jmpoweru.com

Lincroft office has purchased the AlterG treadmill! Stay tuned for installation date.

The AlterG treadmill is an anti-gravity treadmill that can be adjusted to any percentage of bodyweight for walking, running and advanced therapeutic exercise.  It is perfect for post-op hip, knee and foot surgery for progressive ambulation.  It can also be used for high level athletes who are recovering from injury.  Learn more and watch videos at www.alterG.com.

Stay tuned for an installation date within the next few weeks!