Falls Prevention

Falls are a major health concern for the elderly. Two-thirds of those who fall have another fall within six months, and it is repeated falling that leads to decreasing health and independence.

The most common injuries from falls are fractured bones weakened by osteoporosis. About 240,000 hip fractures occur in America every year. And for those who are elderly and have a hip fracture, half will not be able to return home or live independently after the fracture.

There are many risk factors for falls including: osteoporosis, lack of physical activity, impaired vision, environmental hazards, inner ear problems and certain medications. The more factors a person has, the more likely it is that a fall will occur and decrease the persons independence. The good news is, many of these are preventable.

Our physical therapists can help assess the risk for falling by doing a comprehensive balance assessment. They will then design an exercise program specifically for the person to improve balance. Education is also a crucial part of the treatment, so the therapist will talk with the person about risk factors, balance deficits, and strategies to decrease the risk of falling.

If you think you would benefit from physical therapy, ask your physician for a referral.

For more information about this program, please call Regions Hospital Physical Therapy Clinic at 651-254-2071 or HealthPartners Specialty Center - Physical Therapy at 651-254-7700.