We all remember the commercial with the line, “Help. I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” While the acting job may be something to laugh at, falls are certainly no laughing matter. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year. This leads to over three million emergency department visits annually. More than just momentary lapses in balance, falls often result in serious injuries that lead to decreased independence and reduced quality of life. Fortunately, physical therapy plays a critical role in fall prevention through targeted assessment, personalized intervention, and patient education.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Fall Prevention
- Comprehensive Evaluations. Physical therapists conduct detailed evaluations that identify fall risk factors such as: flexibility, strength, balance, gait, posture, and functional mobility. Accordingly, they identify functional impairments or limitations and review symptoms and their durations. During the evaluation, the physical therapist will set goals and outline strategies to attain them.
Dr. Jessica Lamont works with a patient to reduce his risk of falling.
- Targeted Exercise Programs. One of the most effective fall prevention techniques is the development of an exercise program that is tailored to the individuals needs. Thus, physical therapists create daily routines that focus on:
- Strength training. Weak lower extremity muscles are often culprits associated with falls. Muscles in the thighs, calves, and lower backs need strengthening to improve stability and functional mobility.
- Balance training. Specific exercises to challenge the body’s ability to maintain the center of gravity are keys to fall prevention. Single leg stands, weight shifting, and practicing on unstable surfaces improves balance.
- Gait training. Abnormal walking patterns like shuffling or unequal stride lengths are red flags for fall risks. Physical therapists often use gait retraining and assistive devices when necessary to improve walking safety.
- Limited joint mobility, especially in the hips and ankles, compromises balance. Thus, stretching routines help maintain mobility, reduce stiffness, and lead to fall prevention.
- Lack of movement can contribute to fatigue and stiffness. As a result, decreased conditioning affects coordination and concentration, which is another red flag for fall risks. Safe cardiovascular activities are recommended to improve conditioning and aid in fall prevention.
- Functional Training. Physical therapists simulate activities to build confidence and foster independence. This may include practicing safe transfers, stair climbing, reaching, bending, or navigating obstacles. These functional activities help improve coordination and reduce anxiety around movement.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation. In cases where dizziness or vertigo contributes to imbalance, vestibular rehabilitation may be in order. This specialized form of therapy helps retrain the inner ear and central nervous system through gaze stabilization and balance exercises. Many individuals can reduce their fall risks significantly through these techniques.
- Education. Physical therapists share knowledge of strategies for safe movement, fall prevention techniques, and home safety modifications to reduce fall risks. Installing grab bars, removing throw rugs, and improving lighting are positive steps toward fall prevention.
Dr. Joelyn Cunningham assists a patient working to reduce fall risks.
Broader Benefits of Fall Prevention
Through Physical Therapy
While reducing falls is the primary goal, the benefits of physical therapy extend beyond that. Improved quality of life, enhanced mobility, increased participation in daily activities, and greater independence are results of time spent with a physical therapist. These outcomes will certainly reduce healthcare costs, but will also enable people to age in place, in other words, to continue living in their own homes as they age. In fact, many older adults prefer aging in place and physical therapy can help them to achieve that goal.
Fall prevention is not about just avoiding accidents. It’s about preserving independence, dignity, and quality of life. Physical therapy offers a proactive, evidenced-based approach to identifying and mitigating fall risks through personalized interventions, exercise, and education. Whether someone is recovering from a fall or looking to avoid one altogether, physical therapy is a powerful tool to promote safety and mobility.
Reach out to Rehab Associates
If you or a loved one is concerned about falls, reach out to us at Rehab Associates. A professional assessment, individualized care plan, and functional training could make all the difference in building strength, restoring confidence, and helping you stay safely on your feet.
For more information about Rehab Associates, please visit our website: www.racva.org.
Dr. Jessica Lamont sees patients at the Rehab Associates Moneta clinic.
Dr. Jessica Lamont graduated from Longwood University with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1999. She earned a master’s degree in physical therapy from Shenandoah University in 2002, and completed her doctor of physical therapy in 2003. Dr. Lamont worked in the outpatient setting for 15 years in Northern Virginia before moving to Huddleston in 2020. She now sees patients at the Rehab Associates Moneta clinic. With special interests in general orthopedics, vestibular therapy, and gait & balance training, Dr. Lamont enjoys helping people meet their goals and returning them to activities they love!
