(4-minute read)
At this time of year, I see more patients for the treatment of slips, trips and falls at my osteopathic clinic in BS6 Bristol.
Winter months see an increase in ice and wet leaves on the pavements, and we are all vulnerable to this, but older people are more at risk of a slip, trip or fall in these hazardous conditions outdoors.
According to this report, more than one million people aged over 65 in the UK suffer from slips, trips and falls outdoors annually.
The cost of emergency admissions and overnight hospital stays for these incidents is millions per year, and I always see a marked increase in patients wanting treatment for slips, trips and falls in Bristol from December through to March.
Which areas are affected by slips, trips and falls?
As an osteopath practising in Henleaze and with nearly 30 years' experience, I find that when it comes to the treatment of slips, trips and falls in Bristol, there are common areas of the body impacted by these accidents.
Most patients who suffer a slip, trip or fall while walking slip onto their back and/or hip.
I also commonly treat knee and ankle twists and sprains, as well as shoulder, elbow and wrist injuries where a patient has put out an arm as they fall to the ground.
As long as a patient hasn't fractured a limb and doesn't need to go to the hospital, I can provide effective treatment of slips, trips and falls at my Henleaze osteopathic clinic. If a patient attends my clinic and I suspect a fracture, I will recommend a precautionary X-ray.
What treatments are best for slips, trips and falls?
RICE treatment (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is an effective first-aid method for slips, trips and falls. It is aimed at reducing pain and swelling in the affected area.
Once diagnosis and action steps have been evaluated during my initial consultation with a patient, it is important to manage any pain and get them on the road to a rapid recovery.
I find that gentle osteopathic mobility treatments are highly effective when it comes to slips, trips and falls for patients visiting me in Bristol.
What can an osteopath do for trips, slips and falls?
When it comes to osteopathic treatments of slips, trips and falls, my patients in BS6 get considerable results from soft tissue (muscle) release as well a gentle joint mobility work at my Henleaze clinic.
I provide every patient with bespoke rehabilitation exercises to aid a personalised recovery.
A significant element to consider with any slip, trip or fall is the strengthening of the injured area. This is often resolved with a short course of three to six osteopathic sessions accompanied by targeted rehabilitation exercises.
How can slips, trips and falls be prevented?
There are a few things to consider when it comes to preventing slips, trips and falls.
The condition of footpaths and pavements is sometimes not ideal, so I always ask my patients to think about the routes they are walking on during the difficult Winter months.
Another important consideration is footwear, and ensuring a good grip on all shoes worn.
Sturdy shoes or walking trainers/boots are practical and also popular.
Is recovery rapid from slips, trips and falls?
Recovery time from slips, trips and falls varies massively from each patient, and depends largely on the part of the body injured, the severity of the injury, and the patient's age.
General fitness and strength levels play a vital role when it comes to the recovery time required from a slip, trip or fall.
This can be influenced by age, occupation (if the person is sedentary for long periods daily), and adherence to regular exercise.
The most important preventative factor is an individual's level of balance and stability (proprioception). This is critical when it comes to preventing slips, trips and falls across Bristol.
A higher level of proprioception will mean that a person is less likely to slip, trip or fall, is less likely to have a major injury, and will also recover more quickly after an incident.
I recently wrote an article on how elderly people can prevent sustaining these sorts of injuries during the Winter months. Visit here to find out more.
For the treatment of slips, trips and falls in BS6 Bristol this Winter, please book with me here.