Plexus Minerva offers fall training and fall prevention exercises by our physiotherapists. To achieve this, we use the Otago method. Otago is a very effective method to safely improve muscle strength and balance, especially suitable for the elderly aged 80 and older. The risk of a fall generally decreases significantly after following this exercise program.Below you can read more about fall prevention.
Keep Exercising!
As we well know, sufficient exercise is important. Regular exercise has many positive health benefits, for example: it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, it improves our memory, reduces stress, reduces depression, and ensures that we sleep better.Exercise strengthens our muscles and bones, which among other things, reduces the risk of falling by up to 30%! Unfortunately, many people still fall every day; every 5 minutes, a person over 65 ends up in the Hospital Emergency Room with injuries after a fall. These injuries can often have major consequences for that person’s health, independence and therefore self-reliance.Many people lose strength and fitness after a fall because they then consequently move less (usually due to lack of confidence and fear of falling), which furthermore increases the chance of a new fall!This month, NOS reported a news item about the large increase in falls resulting in injuries with even fatal consequences. It is therefore important to prevent a fall and keep moving!
How to reduce the chance of a fall?
The recommended exercise guideline for adults is 150 minutes a week (2.5 hours) moderate to intensive exercise spread over different moments during the week.More exercise gives more health benefits!A special exercise program has been developed to reduce the chance of a fall. For more information about these fall prevention exercises you can contact our specialized physiotherapist Linske Vreugdenhil at Plexus Minerva.The program is based on fall prevention training via the Otago method and consists of strength and balance exercises with practical everyday tips. This program is given individually by the physiotherapist.If you have additional insurance, the treatments will be reimbursed by your insurance company. The first treatment consists of an intake, where we discuss, among other things, your complaint(s), your general health situation, and possible risk factors that may cause a fall. Followed by several balance tests and a clinical examination. Based on the outcome we can then start with a tailor-made exercise program which you can continue to do at home.
Fall Analysis
A fall analysis can also help you to find out what the possible underlying cause of the fall was. By knowing the cause, you can then reduce the chance of a possible new fall, reduce the fear of falling and make you stronger and more confident. For more information you can mail Linske Vreugdenhil via linske.minerva@plexusamsterdam.nl or phone 020-6626192.
