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Understanding the Risk of Falls

Falls are a major concern for older adults, as they can lead to serious injuries such as hip and wrist fractures. In the course of the natural aging process, older adults may experience reduced muscle strength, balance issues, and other bodily changes that increase their risk of falling. In the U.S. and Canada, falls are responsible for more than 3.5 million emergency department visits and approximately 40,000 deaths each year.

Economic Impact of Falls

Falls not only affect the health and wellbeing of older adults but also have significant economic implications. The total medical costs associated with fall–related injuries have been estimated at $50 billion annually, with nonfatal falls accounting for most of these costs. These numbers highlight the importance of effective fall–prevention strategies to reduce both health risks and financial burdens.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy–based fall–prevention programs offer a promising solution to this issue. By improving balance, strength, and mobility, physical therapists can help reduce the risk of falls and related injuries in older adults.

One study examined the economic impact of this type of intervention and showed that the average net benefit of physical therapy–based fall–prevention exercises was estimated to be $2,144 per episode of care. The cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained–a metric commonly used in economic analysis research–was $13,425. This indicates that physical therapy is a cost–effective intervention.

Components of Physical Therapy for Fall Prevention

Physical therapy for fall prevention typically involves a multifactorial assessment and a personalized exercise program. This can include:

• Static Balance Exercises: Focus on stabilizing the patient in specific positions to maintain balance.


• Dynamic Balance Exercises: Involve movements like walking and turning to improve the body's ability to react to sudden changes.


• Strength Training: Targets lower extremity and postural muscles to support balance and mobility.


• Walking Programs: For those with adequate balance, walking programs can help prevent future falls.

Additional Strategies for Falls Prevention

In addition to physical therapy, other strategies that can help reduce the risk of falls include:

• Review and Modify Medications: Certain medications can cause side effects that may increase the risk of falls, so if you’re experiencing any dizziness, lightheadedness, or balance issues, it's best to ask your doctor to review your medications and if you should make any changes.


• Address Nutritional Deficiencies: Ensuring proper nutrition can improve strength, mobility, and visual acuity.


• Address Hazards in Your Home: Do a home walkthrough to identify any potential hazards that could increase your risk for a fall–such as loose rugs,clutter, poor lighting, or extension cords–and either address them yourself or have a friend or family member help you.

What to Expect During Physical Therapy

During a physical therapy session, a trained therapist will assess your condition and create a personalized exercise plan. Sessions typically last between 30 minutes to 1 hour. The therapist will guide you through exercises designed to improve your balance, strength, and mobility, and provide tips for staying safe at home.

Fall–prevention programs are a safe, effective, and cost–efficient way to reduce your risk of falls and improve your quality of life. By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can enjoy better mobility, less pain, and greater peace of mind.

Contact Us Today For More Information

Ready to find out how physical therapy can help you or a loved one reduce their risk for a fall? Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our expert therapists.

Additional details on the benefits of physical therapy for preventing falls can be found here.