Afraid of Falling? Physical Therapy Is Here To Catch You
Marion, 74, was terrified of falling. (Note that her name has been changed.) She’d heard the statistics: Falls are a leading cause of injury among people over 60 and the second leading cause of injury deaths worldwide. And although she’d always been active, she found her balance changing as she grew older, which only deepened her fears.
Like many people, Marion didn’t realize that the fear of falling can also be debilitating. That fear kept her close to home. She didn’t spend as much time with friends and family, and her lifestyle was much less active than it had been ten years earlier–which actually increased her fall risk!
But then Marion began seeing a physical therapist to help with her hip pain. When she shared her concerns about falling, he incorporated fall prevention strategies into her treatment plan, building Marion’s confidence enough that she returned to some of her favorite activities, like gardening and meeting with friends for a weekly coffee.
At ReQuest Physical Therapy, we know falls can be frightening. But we also know that fall prevention training can help you face your fears and give you the confidence to live an active, healthy lifestyle, even into old age.
Ready to get started with your own fall prevention plan? Schedule an appointment with us today!
Understanding Your Fall Risk
Everyone’s fall risk is different. No single factor determines your likelihood of a fall; instead, it’s a complex blend of age, lifestyle choices, and health conditions. The more of these factors apply to you, the more likely you are to fall.
Which items on this fall risk list apply to you or a loved one?
- Advanced age (60 years or older)
- Being female (women are more likely to suffer falls than men)
- Joint pain, including from arthritis
- Spells of dizziness or vertigo (a spinning sensation)
- Decline in vision or hearing
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Impaired balance or gait
- Weakness in the lower body
- Use of medications that can cause dizziness or balance issues
- Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s
- Stroke survivor
- A history of falls
If you think you might be at a high risk of falling, don’t get scared–give us a call! Our team of physical therapists can assess your fall risk and provide you with a customized fall prevention plan that can lower the likelihood of a fall-related injury.
How Physical Therapy Can Keep You On Your Feet
A good fall prevention plan will address your specific fall risks. For example, someone who suffers from regular vertigo attacks would benefit from specialized therapy to address that issue. Meanwhile, someone with Parkinson’s disease doesn’t necessarily need to worry about dizziness but does need to address an impaired posture, balance, and gait.
Our therapists will work with you to decide which specific treatment options will be the right choice for your personal fall prevention plan. That said, there are some commonalities. Here are a few of the techniques we typically include:
Pain Management:
Joint pain can inhibit mobility, resulting in a sedentary lifestyle and increased fall risk. If you suffer from pain, we’ll work with you to manage it safely and effectively.
Balance Training:
Balance training is the foundation of fall prevention. We’ll guide you through specialized exercises that challenge your balance in a safe, monitored environment–ensuring you see improvements over time.
Strength Training:
One of the reasons older people have an increased fall risk is that you lose muscle mass as you age, making it more challenging to move around. We’ll prepare a strength training program appropriate to your ability level and help you restore some of that lost muscle mass.
Gait Training:
This technique focuses on improving your walking patterns. Certain conditions (such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke) can severely change your gait, and addressing those impairments can reduce your chances of falling.
Regular Exercise Program:
Staying active plays a significant role in keeping you from a fall. We’ll suggest an exercise program that suits your needs and abilities, such as a simple walking regimen.
No More Fear of Falling: Call Us Today!
A dedicated fall prevention plan from ReQuest Physical Therapy can give you the confidence to age healthfully, no matter your fall risk. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your initial consultation!
Say Goodbye to Pain – Get Started with PT Now!
Return to ReQuest Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Did You Know You Can See a Physical Therapist Without a Referral?
In many cases, you can start physical therapy right away without needing a referral from your doctor—this is called Direct Access. It means faster relief from pain, quicker recovery, and less time waiting to get the care you need. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, nagging aches, or want to prevent future problems, our licensed physical therapists are here to help.
However, it’s important to note that if you have Medicare, a referral is still required before beginning treatment. We’re happy to help coordinate with your physician to make the process as smooth as possible.
Don’t wait for pain to get worse—reach out today and get started on the path to feeling better!
Restorative Yoga with Shawn Hinds
About This Class
Restorative yoga is a style of yoga that encourages physical, mental and emotional relaxation. Appropriate for all levels, restorative yoga is practiced at a slow pace, focusing on long holds, stillness and deep breathing.
When: Thursday 1pm-1:45pm
Where: Gainesville Health & Fitness
How Strong
Is Your Stance?
We offer FREE orthopedic screenings to test your strength.
Grip strength/hang test
Tuesday, November 4th 4pm to 6:30 GHF Main (Upstairs)
Thursday, November 6th 2pm – 4 pm GHF Women
Staff Spotlight
Please help us welcome our newest team member, Anthony! Anthony is a recent graduate of the Florida School of Massage and he specializes in injury prevention and recovery. Anthony is also a certified personal trainer and is passionate about helping people perform at their best!
If you have Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, you likely have massage benefits available to you. We are happy to bill your insurance on your behalf. Email samantha.ream@requestphysicaltherapy.com for more information.
4 Simple Strategies for Stress-Free Leaf Cleanup
For many of us, autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year. There’s nothing like the cool refreshing air and breathtaking fall foliage. However, with the changing of the seasons comes a chore that we all dread– raking leaves.
Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to make raking the leaves more enjoyable. If you need help with your follow through on this chore, keep reading!
1. If you can, rake downhill
Raking leaves is hard enough without having to go against gravity. Make this process a little easier on yourself by raking downhill.
2. Pull the leaves towards you as you rake
This technique helps keep stress off your back and prevents injury. For extra preventative measures, tighten your abdominal muscles as you move.
3. Divide your lawn into sections
If you’re dealing with a huge lawn, don’t overdo it by trying to tackle all the space in one day. Instead, divide your lawn into smaller, more manageable sections and spread the work out over a couple days.
4. Wear the proper clothes
To prevent blisters or bug bites, it’s important to wear long sleeves and long pants while raking. It’s also a good idea to invest in a pair of strong gloves to protect your hands while you work.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Thank you to everyone who participated in Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the American Cancer Society Making Strides event! Our team, “Questies for Breasties”, had a fantastic time spreading awareness about breast cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship.
Our clinic specializes in breast cancer recovery. We also offer comprehensive cancer programs for all forms of cancer. These programs are designed to help people before, during, and after treatment. Let us help you “Live Your Breast Life!”
Introducing Positional and Lymphatic Massage Therapy: Gentle, Restorative Bodywork
now available at ReQuest Physical Therapy
Positional therapy is a gentle and highly effective form of bodywork that supports your body’s own ability to self-correct. Unlike traditional massage, positional therapy and lymphatic techniques use light touch, comfortable positioning, and enables you to be in full control of the session.
Ideal For:
- Post-surgical recovery
- Auto accident rehab
- Trauma-informed care
- Chronic pain, fibromyalgia, myalgia
- Inflammatory conditions and stress overload
What to Expect:
- Relaxing sessions
- Option of clothing on or off
- Gentle contact and positioning that feels good to your body
- Client-led – we follow your comfort and instinct
- Promotes lymphatic flow, nervous system regulation, and deep rest
- Supports homeostasis and long-term healing
You already know what your body needs — we’re here to help it get it there.
November Word Scramble
nrbareycr
tfuisngf
ouoarncpic
iamylf
drapea
altkunhf
Answer Key
cranberry
stuffing
cornucopia
family
parade
thankful
Quick & Easy Healthy Recipe
Whipped Sweet Potato Orange Cups
Taste How Delicious Weight Loss Can Be
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2.5 to 3 pounds), washed well to remove
- sand and dirt
- 4 large or 6 medium oranges (like navel or satsuma), washed
- Pinch of salt
- Optional spice additions: couple pinches of pumpkin pie spice,
- cinnamon, allspice, or nutmeg
- 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
Directions:
Prepare sweet potatoes
Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot for 15- 20 minutes or until soft.
Allow the sweet potatoes to cool enough to handle. Then, scoop
out the fluffy orange flesh into a large bowl, peeling the sweet
potatoes.
Prepare oranges
Cut oranges in half and slice a VERY thin disk from the bottom so
they rest flat…the peel of the oranges are going to be the “cups”
- With a paring knife, cut around the inside of the orange peel to
separate it from the flesh. With a spoon, scoop out the fruit and
place in a bowl. - Squeeze the juice from the pulp of at least 2 of the oranges.
Combine and bake
- In a food processor or high powered blender bowl, add cooked
sweet potato with fresh orange juice and pinch of salt. If desired,
add a couple pinches of desired spices. - Puree until whipped and creamy texture. If making a large batch,
blend ingredients in several rounds. - Scoop sweet potato orange mixture into the orange peel “cups”.
Top with pecans or walnuts. - Place on a baking sheet. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 20
min or until heated through.
This is one of the many complementary recipes shared in our healthy lifestyle program, Physicians’ Choice for Weight Loss.
Patient Testimonial 🌟
“Jeni at ReQuest is the bomb! Her rehab approach to my Achilles injury was very thoughtful and challenging; it was the Aaron Rodgers treatment I was looking for. I also appreciated how she set benchmarks and adapted my rehab plan to reflect my progress. Highly recommend Jeni and everyone at ReQuest!”
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Innovative Approaches to Physical Wellness this Thanksgiving Season
Thanksgiving is more than just a day of feasting; it’s a time to come together and celebrate what we’re thankful for. While traditional advice often emphasizes the basics, let’s elevate your approach to physical well-being this season with these cutting-edge tips:
- Dynamic Warm-Up Before the Turkey Trot: If you’re planning a Thanksgiving morning run or family games, forget old-school stretching. Use a dynamic warm-up to prep your muscles and boost your range of motion.
- Text Neck Prevention: As we catch up on social media or text friends and family Thanksgiving wishes, “text neck” can be a real issue. Counteract this by sitting tall or not at all and doing neck stretches every hour.
- Mindfulness Through Movement: Instead of sitting to meditate or relax, try combining mindfulness with gentle movements like Tai Chi or a light stroll through the neighborhood.
Embrace your health by prioritizing your physical and mental well-being to ensure you have the best Thanksgiving yet!
Exercise of the Month
ANKLE ALPHABETS
Start by sitting up straight in a chair. Raise one leg out in front of you. Slowly write the letters of the alphabet with your foot, only moving at your ankle joint.
3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: chair)
Thank You for Subscribing to ReQuest Physical Therapy
Refer a Friend
Our purpose at ReQuest Physical Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the communities around us. In order to do that, we want to change as many lives as possible and become a beacon of positivity in our communities.
Do you have a friend or family member who could benefit from our pain-relieving services? At ReQuest Physical Therapy, we love helping people achieve relief from pain and reach their full potential, thus making a difference in their lives.
If you know someone who could use our help, click the button below to fill out our form and we will send them information about how we may be able to help their condition. Be sure to let them know you referred them so they can thank you!
Reward your hardworking employees with on-site massage!
ReQuest Physical Therapy can provide licensed massage therapists to offer chair massage at any business.
Email: samantha.ream@requestphysicaltherapy.com for more information.
Meet Our Team
Jeff Gilliam
PT, PhD, OCS
Penny Goldberg
PT, DPT, ATC
Jerry O. Rieta
PT, CSCS, CPT
Alphonso Jones
PTA, NASM CPT
Adrian Latscu
PTA, ACCI
Patricia Nichols
OT, CHT
Samantha Ream
M.Ed., LMT
Tiffany Fisher
PhD, LMT
