A slip and accident is not to be taken lightly. In the US, slip and fall accidents are among the leading causes of injury for all age groups. These accidents often result in mobility issues that can affect balance, gait, and coordination. Hampered mobility can make everyday tasks such as climbing or descending stairs, walking down hallways, and general movements seem like a challenge. (Source)

Physical therapy can help recover mobility lost or affected by an accident. Moreover, physical therapists can assist a working individual in identifying potential dangers in their workplace and address them to prevent slip and fall accidents in the future.

What slip and fall injuries can a physical therapist help with?

Slips and falls often result in painful injuries that require immediate medical attention and rehabilitation for optimal recovery. In case you have sustained an injury due to a slip and fall incident, you may be looking for the “best physical therapist near me.” Understanding how a PT works with different injuries can help put your mind at ease and help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore three common slip and fall injuries and how a physical therapist can support their recovery.

Wrist injuries

Wrist injuries are common consequences of slip and fall accidents, as our first response to a fall is to reach out in front of us to break the fall. This instinctive movement to minimize damage is often the cause of wrist injuries. Sprains are common after a fall.

The wrist is made up of small bones, tendons, cartilage, and muscles that can be injured in a fall. As the function of the wrist joint is to provide a range of motion necessary to perform daily functions adequately, wrist injuries can dramatically affect a person’s day-to-day activities.

To improve your condition, a physical therapist may use manual techniques, such as soft-tissue massage, gentle joint movements, and wrist stretches.

Hip fractures

Hip injuries are one of the most serious injuries occurring from a slip and fall accident. The chance of hip injuries increases significantly in advanced age groups as bones may become less dense and hence fragile. Physical therapists can help people who have experienced hip fractures rebuild their strength and regain mobility.

Physical therapy centers provide services to assess pain, thigh muscle strength, and the need for performing daily tasks to determine a treatment plan. In the early stages of recovery, the focus will lie on basic movements and functions like walking and standing up from a chair. In the early stage of recovery, physical therapists should help people with hip fractures get out of bed and move around as soon as possible.

Back injuries

Back injuries can have severe repercussions if not treated in time. Chronic back pain can have debilitating effects on various aspects of life. Physical therapy is an excellent way to mitigate back pain and regain mobility after a slip and fall accident. 

Patients can learn correct body postures and maneuvers for sitting, standing, and lifting to reduce the chances of injury recurrence. Regular home exercises may also be prescribed to strengthen muscles.

In case of acute pain, a physical therapy session could include hot and cold therapy. Spinal manipulation is used to relieve pain and improve spinal mobility after injuries from slip and fall accidents.

How a physical therapist helps prevent falls

A physical therapist’s work also extends to helping patients prevent injuries. Slip and fall accidents are prevalent in all age groups. Physical therapy can help you do the things that are meaningful to you while avoiding injuries.

Identifying potential risk factors is the first step in this process. Your PT can then educate you on reducing your risk of falling. They can help you address common reasons for accidental falls, such as unsteadiness and dizziness.

Conclusion

Accidents caused by slipping and falling can lead to painful injuries, which might require you to take time off work. This is more trouble than you should have to handle. So, why not leave finding a good physical therapy center to the professionals? Injury Assistance Network can spare you the trouble of having to go through piles of websites, testimonials, and recommendations so you can focus on your recovery.