Falls are a major concern as we age, especially because they increase the risk of serious injuries such as fractures, sprains, head trauma, and internal bleeding. At Back to You Physical Therapy, with clinics in Royal Oak, Canton, and Grosse Pointe, MI as well as Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce, FL, our specialized physical therapists use proven techniques to help you build the strength, stability, and confidence needed to prevent falls and stay active safely. Reducing fall risk is essential, so below, we’ll answer some common questions about fall risks and how physical therapy can help.
Q: Why are falls so dangerous for older adults?
Answer: Falls become more dangerous with age due to:
• Fragile bones: Osteoporosis and decreased bone density make older adults more prone to fractures, especially in the hip and wrist.
• Head injuries: Falls can lead to head trauma, which is more serious in older adults due to decreased brain resilience.
• Longer recovery time: Older adults often take longer to heal from injuries, leading to longer periods of immobility and a decline in overall health.
According to the CDC, one in four people over 65 falls each year, and 20% of these falls result in a serious injury (CDC Fall Statistics). Physical therapy can significantly reduce the likelihood of a fall, which in turn reduces the risk of these severe injuries.
Q: How does physical therapy reduce fall risk?
Answer: Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to address the physical factors that contribute to falls, including:
• Balance training: Exercises designed to improve stability and help you respond more effectively to sudden changes in position.
• Strength training: Increasing strength, particularly in the legs and core, helps maintain a strong base of support.
• Gait training: Therapists analyze and improve your walking pattern to ensure safe and stable movement.
• Reaction time exercises: These exercises can help you catch yourself if you stumble, increasing your chances of avoiding a fall.
• Home safety recommendations: Therapists often provide advice for improving the safety of your home, such as removing tripping hazards or installing grab bars in the bathroom.
Our Back to You locations specialize in personalized fall prevention plans. Learn more about how physical therapy can keep you safe at our Fall Prevention Page.
Q: What are some signs that I might be at risk for falling?
Answer: Knowing the warning signs of fall risk can help you take action early. You may be at higher risk if you:
• Feel unsteady when standing or walking
• Have trouble getting out of a chair or bed
• Experience dizziness or lightheadedness
• Have weak leg muscles
• Rely on furniture or walls to steady yourself
If any of these apply to you, a consultation with a physical therapist may help. Our team at Back to You can conduct a fall risk assessment and create a personalized plan to improve your balance and mobility.
Q: Are there simple tests I can do at home to assess my fall risk?
Answer: Yes! Here are two simple tests you can try at home to gauge your balance and mobility:
1. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test:
• Start by sitting in a chair.
• Stand up, walk a few steps forward, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down.
• If it takes you more than 12 seconds to complete this test, you may be at a higher risk for falling.
2. The One-Leg Stand Test:
• Stand on one leg without holding onto anything.
• Try to stay balanced for at least 10 seconds.
• If you’re unable to hold this position or feel very unsteady, you may have a fall risk.
These tests can give you a general idea of your fall risk, but a professional evaluation with a physical therapist provides more specific insights.
Q: What research supports physical therapy for fall prevention?
Answer: Multiple studies have shown the benefits of physical therapy in reducing fall risk. A study in The Lancet found that exercise interventions, particularly those focused on balance and strength training, can reduce fall risk by over 30% in older adults (Sherrington et al., 2019).
Another study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that patients who engaged in physical therapy after a fall were less likely to fall again and experienced improvements in balance and functional mobility (Tinetti et al., 1994).
Q: How do I know if physical therapy is right for me?
Answer: If you’ve experienced a fall, have a fear of falling, or notice signs of instability, physical therapy can be highly beneficial. PT is a proactive approach that targets the underlying causes of poor balance and reduced strength, giving you more control over your movement and helping you stay independent. Direct access to PT means you can begin treatment without a physician’s referral, so you don’t need to wait to take control of your balance and safety.
For more information, visit our Fall Prevention Program page or contact any of our Michigan and Florida locations for a consultation.
Conclusion: Stay Safe and Active with Physical Therapy
Falls don’t have to be a part of aging. At Back to You Physical Therapy, we’re committed to helping you stay safe, active, and independent with a personalized fall prevention plan tailored to your needs. By choosing physical therapy, you can address the causes of imbalance and improve your quality of life in the long term.
Bibliography
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Falls Among Older Adults: An Overview. CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html
• Sherrington, C., et al. (2019). Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. The Lancet, 393(10185), 682-690. Link to article
• Tinetti, M. E., et al. (1994). A multifactorial intervention to reduce the risk of falling among elderly people living in the community. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 42(5), 489-496. Link to article
For details on our fall prevention programs, visit Back to You Physical Therapy at one of our locations in Michigan or Florida today. Stay steady, stay safe, and stay independent! Contact us.