Physiotherapy

Falls Prevention

 

Falls related injuries are increasingly common among older adults, and can lead to serious consequences including disability, loss of independence and death.  

30% of adults aged 65+ experience falls.

Many people brush falls off as “no big deal”, especially if they feel okay after the fact.

But falls, even just one, should not be ignored. 

It can be tempting to ignore it, or brush the fall off as a one time thing, but ignoring the issue won't make it go away and can have serious consequences.

 

There are a number of factors that put us at increased risk of falling as we age, and though we can’t control all of them, there are things we can do to reduce the risk. 

It's never too early, or too late to get started on falls prevention. 

Our team of therapists can help you reduce your risk and avoid the consequences of falls!

What is Falls Prevention? 

Falls prevention focuses on addressing the risk factors that contribute to falls such as balance, strength and coordination.  

An essential part of prevention is identifying an individual’s risk factors and level of risk - low, moderate, or high. 

Once an individual’s risk is identified, an individualized program is developed to best meet their needs. 

Our physiotherapists have developed a falls risk assessment and treatment protocols based on the very first World Guidelines on Falls Preventions (September 2022). 

Read our blog on Falls Prevention to learn more about risk factors and categories for risk. 



What Does a Falls Prevention Program Help With? 

It’s all in the name!

Falls prevention keeps you on your feet, improves your balance & confidence and reduces the risk of falls. Preventing falls also means preventing the injuries and consequences that happen as a result of falls. 

   Physiotherapist led Falls Prevention Programs at Fit For Life Physiotherapy in Burlington. 

Will Falls Prevention Help Me? 

Yes! 

And it is never to early or late to start. Physiotherapy will help you improve your balance and confidence and reduce your risk of falls, and avoid the complications from falls.  

Still have questions about falls prevention physiotherapy? Contact us today to book in a FREE 15 minute consultation with one of our Physiotherapists. 

Meet our Physiotherapists Who Provide Falls Prevention Programming

Lesley Hughes, Registered Physiotherapist works with clients to prevent falls. Registered Physiotherapist Ally Ferguson, works with clients to prevent falls.
Physiotherapist David Tait helps clients prevent falls before they happen! Physiotherapist Miriam Mulkewich helps clients prevent falls before they happen!
Physiotherapist Natalie Lehto helps clients prevent falls before they happen!



What Does a Falls Prevention Program Look Like? 

At your first appointment, your physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment which will include your health history, current medications, falls history and have you perform a few physical tests that assess gait, balance, and strength. 

Your physiotherapist will use this information to develop a plan of care, which will be exercise and movement based, to help reduce your risk of falls. 

Your program will include: 

  • Balance training 
  • Strengthening 

Your plan may include sessions with our Kinesiologist!

   
  

What Are The Benefits of Falls Prevention?

Decrease risk of falls and their consequences

Improve balance & confidence 

Maintain independence 




Frequently Asked Questions About Falls Prevention 

 

What causes frequent falls in elderly? 

There is no singular cause of falls. Health conditions, medications, deconditioning, decreased strength and balance, vision impairment, loss of sensation in the feet, fear of falling, and more can all contribute to falls.  This is why a comprehensive assessment of an individuals risk factors is a key step in developing an individualized falls prevention program.


What reduces the risk of falls? 

There's lots that can be done to reduce the risk of falls! An individuals risk factors such as medications and health conditions need to be considered. An exercise program that improves strength and balance will help reduce the risk of a fall, as well as improve the individuals confidence and reduce their fear of falling. 


What is the most common complication of falls in elderly? 

Fractures are the most common injury after a fall. Fractures are serious and can lead to more serious complications, which is one of the reasons falls prevention is so important!



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