Athletico Health Resources

As the 2022 year ends, we looked back at the top ten blogs that our knowledgeable clinicians here at Athletico wrote on various topics related to injuries, the effectiveness of dry needling, the benefits of stretching, and more!

(more…)

The CDC reports that over 800,000 people are hospitalized each year due to a fall. This is a huge number of people, but there is the potential to mitigate some risks associated with falls. This blog will educate you on a few exercises to build up strength and balance to assist in the prevention of falls.

(more…)

Kimberly Smith is the Assistant Manager of Clinical Programs, IL Regional Coordinator – Vestibular/Concussion Program

If you or someone you know has fallen, you are not alone. Balance quickly diminishes after the mid-50s, increasing the risk for falls and other adverse health outcomes. According to the National Institute on Aging, 1 in 3 individuals will suffer a fall each year. The good news is it is never too late to improve your balance and fitness to decrease these risks. This may be as simple as making minor changes, just a few minutes a day, and using your local Physical Therapist as a resource! The pandemic has not helped reduce the falls problem, as most of the population 65 and older became stationary, less active, and was not challenging their bodies to the full potential. As part of Falls Prevention Awareness Month this September, we would like to highlight the importance of early detection and prevention for yourself or a loved one.

(more…)

Do you have a loved one who is a little unsteady on their feet, has a history of falls, or is too “stubborn” to use a cane or rolling walker? Here is a quick list of tips to help keep their home as safe as possible.

(more…)

Unfortunately, thousands of older adults aged 65 and older sustain a fall each year. Many falls lead to injuries that vary in severity. Falls can happen anywhere, but the majority of them occur in the home. Our homes can be full of hidden hazards. One way to reduce you or a loved one’s risk of falling is to fall-proof your home. For elderly families that may be visiting during the upcoming holidays, these helpful tips can keep everyone safe.

(more…)

With advancements in technology, detecting a fall is easier than ever! Apple Watches have been able to detect a fall for some time, a feature automatically added for anyone 55 years and older. Emergency medical response teams may even be called based on one’s movement, or lack thereof, after the impact or fall. However, the latest feature – Walking Steadiness – available on the Apple iOS 15 update now allows the phone to send you a notification related to the steadiness of your walking. This update can help recognize your risk for falls before they happen.

(more…)

Choosing to become a caregiver for a loved one or friend is a kindhearted act. Deciding to provide personal care for someone takes patience and attentiveness. Grocery shopping, housework, cooking, and managing services are typical duties of a caregiver. Along with day-to-day assistance, creating a safe environment is very important to minimize injury to yourself and others.

(more…)

As a physical therapist and hand therapist, one of the biggest concerns I hear from my patients is that they are worried they are going to fall and hurt themselves. It is not uncommon for a therapist to be treating injuries that resulted from a fall. The upper extremity (shoulder through the fingers) is a common place for injuries to occur following a fall as many will use their hands to brace their fall in order to protect their face or head. This type of fall is called a F.O.O.S.H or a fall on an outstretched hand. This blog will briefly look into common injuries of the upper extremity with a fall and will talk about ways to prevent these injuries.

(more…)