CONDITIONS
Falls Prevention and Balance Training in Mackay
A fall, or even a near miss, can shake your confidence. Many people start doing less after a fall because they're worried it will happen again, but moving less often leads to weaker muscles and poorer balance, which can make falls more likely. Exercise can help break that cycle.
Our falls prevention programs are designed to help you build the strength, balance and confidence to keep doing the things you enjoy, safely and independently.
or call 0436 304 161
Why exercise matters for falls prevention
Exercise that challenges your balance and builds leg strength is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of falls. A good program aims to:
strengthen the muscles in your legs and hips that keep you steady
improve your balance, reaction time and coordination
make everyday tasks easier, such as getting up from a chair, climbing steps and getting in and out of the car
build your confidence moving around at home and in the community.
The key is that exercises need to be challenging enough to make a difference, yet safe for you, which is where an exercise physiologist can help.
Is a falls prevention program right for you?
You may benefit if you:
have had a fall, or a near miss, in the past year
feel unsteady on your feet or hold onto furniture as you walk around
find it hard to stand up from a chair without using your hands
have stopped going out as much because you're worried about falling
have a health condition that affects balance, such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, arthritis or a past stroke
have a family member who's worried about your safety.
What's involved
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We'll talk about your health, any previous falls and what you'd like to be able to do. Then we'll assess your strength, balance, walking and how you get up and down. Where useful, we'll use VALD testing to measure balance and leg strength.
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Your program targets your specific risk factors and goals. Exercises are progressed safely as you improve.
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We practise the things you do every day, such as steps, turning, reaching and getting up from the floor, so your new strength and balance carry over into daily life.
Where we can see you
At home → We come to you and look at how you move around your own home.
In the clinic One-on-one at 118 Wood Street.
In small groups → A supportive, social way to keep building strength and balance for $50 per week.
In the pool → Hydrotherapy is a great place to start balance work if you're nervous.
Funding
Falls prevention programs can be accessed privately (no referral needed), through Medicare with a GP chronic condition management plan, through NDIS (self-managed and plan-managed), and through home care funding. Private health rebates can be claimed on the spot. Pensioners receive 10% off consults.
Common questions
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No. People of all ages can improve their strength and balance with the right exercise.
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Check with your GP first if you were injured. Once you're cleared, the sooner you start, the better.
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Yes. Family members and carers are welcome, and it can help them learn how to support you.
Book a falls prevention assessment
Fill in our booking request form, or ask a family member to fill it in for you.
Prefer to talk? 0436 304 161