October 10, 2024
October is National Physical Therapy Month
Preventing Falls in Children
October is National Physical Therapy Month, and this year’s theme is Falls Prevention - an important topic that affects people of all ages, including children. While falls are commonly associated with older adults, they are also a leading cause of injury among young children. In fact, falls are the number one cause of non-fatal injuries for kids under five. At Family of Kidz, we recognize the essential role physical therapy plays in addressing and preventing falls, particularly in young children, by improving balance, coordination, and strength.
Why Falls Prevention Matters for Children
For young children, falls are a normal part of their development as they explore their environment. However, frequent falls or falls that lead to injury may indicate developmental delays or other physical challenges. This is where physical therapy becomes crucial. With the right interventions, physical therapists can help children build the necessary skills to improve their balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and fostering safer exploration and play.
How Physical Therapy Helps Prevent Falls in Children
Physical therapists are trained to assess and identify children who may be at higher risk for falls. Through customized therapy plans, they help children strengthen their muscles, enhance coordination, and develop motor skills. Below are some of the fundamental ways that physical therapy can help in preventing falls for children:
- Strengthening Muscles: Weak muscles can affect a child’s ability to stabilize themselves, leading to more frequent falls. Physical therapists work on strengthening muscles in the legs, core, and arms to help children maintain better balance.
- Improving Balance & Coordination: Poor balance is a significant risk factor for falls. Therapy sessions often include activities designed to enhance a child's balance, such as standing on one leg, walking on uneven surfaces, or playing balance-based games.
- Developing Motor Skills: Some children may have delays in gross motor development, which can increase their risk of falling. Physical therapists create engaging exercises that improve walking, running, jumping, and other motor skills.
- Sensory Integration: For children with sensory processing difficulties, navigating their environment can be challenging. Therapists can work on sensory integration to help these children better respond to external stimuli, which reduces the likelihood of falls.
Tips for Parents to Help Prevent Falls at Home
In addition to physical therapy, there are several steps parents can take at home to minimize the risk of falls for their children:
- Create a Safe Environment: Clear away clutter and secure rugs that may cause tripping. Install safety gates near stairs and other fall hazards.
- Encourage Active Play: Activities like running, jumping, and climbing in safe environments help children develop strength and balance naturally.
- Proper Footwear: Ensure that your child wears well-fitting, supportive shoes to aid in balance and prevent trips or slips.
- Supervision: Always supervise young children, especially in unfamiliar environments where they may be more prone to falls.
When to Consider Physical Therapy
If your child is experiencing frequent falls, seems unsteady, or is showing delays in physical development, a physical therapist can perform an evaluation to determine if therapy would be beneficial. Early intervention is key to ensuring children develop the skills needed to navigate their environment safely.
Celebrating Physical Therapy Month
This Physical Therapy Month, we’re shining a light on the important work that physical therapists do to help children prevent falls and lead active, healthy lives. Whether it’s through balance exercises, strengthening routines, or sensory integration, physical therapists are a vital resource in helping children develop the skills they need for safer exploration and play.
At Family of Kidz, our skilled pediatric physical therapists are dedicated to creating individualized plans that address each child’s unique needs. If you’re concerned about your child’s risk of falls or would like more information on how physical therapy can help, contact us today. Let’s work together to keep your child safe and thriving!
Contact us to learn more about our physical therapy services or schedule an evaluation for your child. Family of Kidz is here to support your child’s development every step of the way!