Fall Prevention Through Physical Therapy
When you think of fall prevention, you might think of older adults who get around on walkers.
However, falls can happen to anyone, especially those recovering from traumatic accidents and other injuries.
Falls can lead to injury or death as well as financial and medical costs. 
Fall prevention is an essential step in maintaining an independent quality of life, but how can physical therapy prevent falls?
Balance Training Is One Way
Older adults and those recovering from injuries might find it difficult to stay upright and stable. Without proper balance training, specifically through physical therapy, simple tasks, such as walking, could lead to falls.
Physical therapists are knowledgeable in movement and can assist with balance training to prevent falls that include, but are not limited to:
● Older adults with muscle weakness or weak joints
● Younger adults with injuries or inner ear problems
● Individuals who suffer from balance issues due to certain medications
Individualized Exercises
Everyone is not only built differently but has varied reasons for needing fall prevention. Some people are bigger, and others are smaller. Some people are older, and others are younger trying to recover from an injury. Everyone needs an individualized and personalized approach to fall prevention. Fortunately, physical therapists are experts in coming up with personalized exercise programs for each individual, their needs, and their situation.
Fall Prevention Education 
Physical therapists are not only there by your side to assist you physically, but they also educate you on what you need to do at home to prevent falls. They will look at your living situation and your home to see what you can improve to reduce the risk of falling, especially when unsupervised. Proper education on fall prevention reduces the number of accidents among those most at risk for falls. Physical therapy is an essential tool in improving your quality of life, reducing healthcare costs, and ensuring you can live independently without the risk of falls.
Simple Tips to Prevent Falls
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Falling is not a normal part of aging. Make sure you report your falls to your primary care physician, physical therapist, nurse or a caregiver. Even if you are capable of recovering on your own without any assistance from medical staff, a caregiver or an assistive device, falls need to be reported.
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Discuss fall prevention strategies with your physical therapist. A physical therapist can assist with fall recovery tactics as well.
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Medications can cause various side effects and interactions that may increase your fall risk. Make sure you discuss these side effects with your physician.
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Keep moving! Walking is an excellent exercise to improve strength, balance, coordination and endurance. If you are unable to walk safely, a physical therapist can create a custom home exercise program for you to safely work on improving your balance, endurance and muscle strength.
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Remove home hazards that can cause a fall to occur. Making sure you have a clear walkway and lighting up your living space can go a long way. Loose rugs, electrical cords, pets and boxes are common reasons for falls that can be prevented easily by decluttering.
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Use your assistive devices. If your healthcare provider has recommended the use of an assistive device, make sure you are putting it to use! Walkers, canes and wheelchairs are common assistive devices, but you may look into adding these to your home to ensure the safety of yourself: Handrails for both sides of stairways, grab bars for the shower or tub, a shower chair or a bedside commode!
