Winter Qi Chats | Week 10

winterfloor training
Written By Angi McClure

Scared of falling?

This week we dive deeper into fall preparation work as it’s important to remember that yes, we all will have a moment when we fall.

The “F” word

As discussed before, the possibility of falling is probable. It happens when we’re lease expecting it and it’s important to know that you have to train to fall.

Falling isn’t just a physical experience, it is often an emotional experience. Many who have fallen establish a fear of falling and tend to anticipate the next time, building tension both mentally and physically. This can (and will) affect your movement. So, back to the initial question… are you prepared? Today we are going to go over HOW you can prepare yourself for the reality of your next fall.

 

FALL PROTOCOL

 

Never assume that falling is beneath you, har har. It doesn’t matter if you are strong, mobile, a good skier, excellent pickleball player, etc. Regardless of your skill or ability or general comparison to the frail person; know that falling is a part of being a human. We fall.

Yes, we need to train the brain & body for strength and reflexiveness but WHEN you fall, you need to know what to do next.

You just took a spill & no matter the severity of the fall here’s the steps you need next.

  1. First, check your ego. So you fell! So what?! You’re going to be okay. Breathe and let it go.

  2. Don’t move. As long as it’s safe, just be still and settling into the shock post-fall.

  3. Don’t assuming ‘you’re fine’. You could still be in shock, maybe you did hit your head, or perhaps you actually need medical assistance. Regardless, you need to scan the body, breath, nervous system to gauage the severity of the situation.

  4. Receive help. If you’re lucky enough to have people around, all others to assist you. For some cases, it might mean calling an ambulance, giving you a ride to the emergency room, sitting with you for the next hour to be sure you’re okay.

  5. Once the situaltion has been assessed and perhaps the necessary help has been called or received, you don’t just ‘walk’ away from a fall. Even if the slip, tumble, or crash was minor. Regardless of the severity of the fall - you need to call your rolodex support!

  6. Get treatment. From an acupuncturist to a lymphatic/myofascial massage therapist or a physical therapist, you need to treat the aftershock of a fall with a practitioner who knows how to calm the nervous system. You just fell! Your brain is reeling and you need to assure the nervous system, fascial, joints & muscles that you’re safe.

  7. Go back to the sight. I know this sounds funny but you need to come down to the ‘scene of the crime’ and retell a story so you’re never looking at that area of the house, parking lot, etc. and creating a traumatic story around the space.
    A. Say your gratitudes because I can tell you this, if you’re capable of standing/kneeling by where you last fell, the fall could have been a lot worse, so WHEW!
    B. Forever see this space as the place where you were brave, received help, and a moment in time where you truly lived up to your training (no matter the severity of the post-fall injury, you’re going to be okay!)

REMEMBER: You’ve been training for this!

 

Neuro-Qi Tip o’the day!

When I fall…

  • Practice falling. (I demonstrate on this week’s Qi Time chat, watch below!)

  • Roll on the floor, roll on towels and train your joints for impact

  • Break out of that linear movement with multi-directional movement for the spine, shoulders, wrist, neck, knees and ankles.

Watch Qi Time with Angi | Week 10
Angi McClure
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Winter Qi Chats | Week 11
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Winter Qi Chats | Week 9