Real Life Story

I was able to meet the staff at Orrock/Mendenhall Sports Medicine in Provo because of my condition of Parkinson’s Disease. I had a high risk for falls and decreased balance and strength. After working with the friendly staff at Orrock/Mendenhall Sports Medicine, I was able to decrease the number of falls and increase my strength and balance. The therapist would work one-on-one with me by challenging my balance and increasing my flexibility. The therapist was very knowledgeable and competent. The facility was very well equipped. I would recommend this facility to all of my friends in need of physical therapy. Thank you!

Clay
Provo

Seniors are hospitalized for fall-related injuries 5 times more often than they are for injuries from other causes. In fact, falls account for 40% of long term care admissions and they cause 2/3 of the most serious activity limiting injuries in seniors. In 2000, falls among older adults accounted for 10,200 deaths and 1.6 million emergency department visits. Annually, more than 64,000 individuals who are over 65 years of age sustain a traumatic brain injury as a result of a fall. Balance disorders are so common amongst seniors that they often go untreated, while personal function, independence and quality of life progressively diminish. Reports show that 1/2 to 2/3 of falls occur at home – where seniors spend most of their time. Balance disorders are vastly under treated other than by the issuing of ambulatory assistive devices. In order for seniors to gain independence, balance programs must incorporate real functional activities that occur in the patient’s “home” living environment & must be homework-able!”

At Orrock/ Mendenhall Sports Medicine, we focus on re-training the proprioceptors and the patient’s internal sense of spatial orientation. We teach the patients strengthening and flexibility exercises to perform at home. We focus on the retention/restoration of health, safety, personal independence, & quality of life through fully functional strategies that are meaningful to senior populations. Seniors become more fall resistant & resilient, they experience enhanced functional capacities, and they learn balance enhancing & fall prevention strategies that expand their functional envelope.

To maximize your chances for optimal recovery, often a physician will suggest you consult with us to evaluate and modify your treatment and exercises to meet your specific needs.
For more information about balance disorders check out this link:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/balance-problems/types.html