General Discussion - Getting up after a fall

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Getting up after a fall

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Patient Forum
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about physical therapy in general for discussion.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=651
Printed Date: Nov 21 2024 at 9:49pm
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Topic: Getting up after a fall

Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: Getting up after a fall
Date Posted: May 18 2010 at 1:02pm

Our user asked: "Hi, I have an elderly parent with both knees replaced who has fallen and cant get up off the floor by themselves. I have printed up a step by step of how to get up after a fall for them to practice. However, when they tell someone to roll over on all fours (hands and knees). My mom and dad both complained that it hurt too much to be on their knees in order to stand up. Whats another technique to have them stand up where it doesn't hurt their knees? Is it ok to go on the hands and knees when they have a total knee replacement (4 year old knees or older)? http://www.learnnottofall.com/content/what-if-i-fall/learn-to-get-up.jsp - http://www.learnnottofall.com/content/what-if-i-fall/learn-to-get-up.jsp "

Ask a PT Response: "It is generally recommended for patients to avoid kneeling on knees which have been replaced as this may damage the prosthesis. I do have my patients practice this restriction but I was unable to find any published data supporting the claim that kneeling may damage the prosthesis.

For my patietns that have difficulties or restrictions with kneeling, I would recommend to them the following technique(s)/options that avoids contact on the knees:

If fallen and are lying down, roll to the side and use arms to sit up. Then turn the inside knee under the body while straightening out the arms. This avoids any contact pressure on the knees.
OR
If they can scoot to the nearest chair or couch, they can pull themselves up if their upper body strength is good enough.

I hope this helps."

Replies:

Posted By: alyssakim
Date Posted: Jun 13 2010 at 9:28am

hi..were you able to get the help you were looking for?

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