Clients who Fall and What You can Do
In the Ray of Light Training CE classes we look at why people fall, the consequences of falling, and how to avoid falls. This is a significant problem, especially for older clients. One out of every four older adults falls every year, some multiple times. Read on to see the extent of the problem, how it relates to you as a Massage Therapist, and upcoming CE classes.
Interesting note: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on fall prevention and balance improvement in older adults has been published. It shows that “Tai Chi can effectively reduce the risk of falls in older adults…and is effective for both healthy older adults and those at high risk of falls.”
In the ROLT CE classes, we look at ways to treat clients who’ve had a fall. Obviously, if they broke a bone or tore a ligament, they need medical care. But there are many things you can do to help clients who’ve had a fall. I also demonstrate a simplified form of Tai Chi in some of these classes, so that YOU can have more balance and prevent falls.
You can see the CE classes that are currently available for registration on the ROLT website here:
https://roltraining.com/class-schedule/
Why Focus on Falls
According to government data, 1 out of every 10 falls for elderly people results in injury, there are 1 million fall-related hospitalizations among older adults each year, 88% of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for hip fractures are caused by falls, and falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Some of the main causes of falls include lower body weakness, vitamin D deficiency, difficulties with walking and balance, certain medicines (such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants), vision problems, foot pain, poor shoes, and throw rugs or clutter that can be tripped over.
My Experience With Falls
I saw the consequences of falls firsthand with my mother. As her Alzheimer’s worsened, she fell several times. Fortunately, she was so tiny that she only broke a bone once – the ulna in her forearm. When it was time for her to be in a nursing home, I noticed so many people dealing with the consequences of falls.
In my classes, I discuss ways to avoid falling and what to do if you do fall. Keeping active is helpful. Keeping your muscles strong, keeping your bones strong, and maintaining good posture are crucial. Doing muscle balancing exercises, Tai Chi, and Qigong helps you maintain good balance as you get older.
I like to demonstrate simple Tai Chi Movements that are easy to do in some of my classes. The research has shown that even the simplest forms of Tai Chi can help you maintain balance and coordination well into your elderly years.
I myself fell recently from the top of the bleachers at a concert and landed backwards onto concrete. Fortunately, I was not hurt beyond some scratches. I’m convinced that all the exercises I do regularly (all the above) helped protect me from injury.
What You Can Do
As a massage therapist, it’s good to learn techniques that are excellent at relieving sore muscles and relaxing the nervous system to help speed the healing process. Working on tight areas that contribute to forward head syndrome is very beneficial. It’s also helpful to learn how to work on people in hospital beds or wheelchairs.
Below are the upcoming CE classes I’ve got scheduled. Each of these trainings provides 18 CEUs, and they are approved by the AR Department of Health and the NCBTMB. Click on a class to see more information:
October 18-20 – Cranial-Sacral Therapy Tools, Techniques, and Complete Protocol – Fayetteville.
I hope to see you in class soon. And I hope that you take care of yourself to avoid falls and that you learn how to best help your clients who have falls.
You can read more about the government data on falls here.
Stay well,
John
John Joseph Ray
Ray of Light Training
John J. Ray is a Board Approved Continuing Education Provider through the NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork)
Member of the Fascia Research Society