When you think of life-changing health issues for older adults, you might imagine heart disease or diabetes. But did you know that falls are the leading cause of injuries and injury-related deaths among seniors? For Kim Peterson, at Mountain Land Physical Therapy in Kuna, Idaho, helping patients avoid falls and regain confidence after one is more than just her job. It’s her passion. Her expertise and advocacy were recently featured in the “Idaho Statesman“.
Kim Peterson’s Journey into Physical Therapy
Kim is a certified orthopedic manual therapist and board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, with years of experience helping patients in Kuna and beyond. Her work is grounded in the belief that prevention is powerful and that physical therapy can truly change lives.
“As a physical therapist, I’ve helped my patients regain their strength, stability and confidence after a fall and I’ve seen the toll it can take on them physically, emotionally and financially,” Kim says.
Falls: An Overlooked but Preventable Health Crisis
The numbers are staggering: each year, millions of older Americans are hospitalized due to falls. Nationally, the cost of treating fall injuries exceeds $50 billion annually, much of it paid by Medicare. But as Kim emphasizes, “Here’s the thing: most falls are preventable.”
With balance training, strength building, and mobility work core parts of physical therapy seniors can significantly reduce their risk. Kim and her colleagues at Mountain Land Physical Therapy see these results every day: patients moving from fearful and unsteady to active, confident, and independent again.
“That’s the power of prevention,” Kim explains.
Why Patients Love Working with Kim
Patients appreciate Kim’s expertise, but also her compassion. She doesn’t just treat injuries she partners with patients to build resilience, both physically and emotionally. Her calm, encouraging approach helps patients feel supported on their journey back to independence.
“I’ve worked with patients who went from fearful and unsteady on their feet to active, confident and independent again,” she says, reflecting on the difference physical therapy makes.
A Voice for Change: Advocating for the SAFE Act
Kim’s dedication goes beyond the clinic. She recently voiced strong support for the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (H.R. 1171), a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding access to fall-prevention screenings and therapy.
The SAFE Act would allow physical and occupational therapists true falls experts to conduct screenings for seniors before an accident occurs. It’s a simple, proactive step that could save lives, keep older adults independent, and reduce healthcare costs by an estimated $160 million over the next decade.
“This isn’t a partisan issue,” Kim stresses. “It’s about protecting the aging, reducing costs, and taking proactive steps to address a widespread threat to our entire healthcare system.”
Beyond the Clinic: A Commitment to Community
Kim is proud to serve the Kuna community, where many older adults live in rural areas with limited access to care. By advocating for prevention and offering compassionate, evidence-based treatment, she helps her patients remain in their homes and communities longer where they want to be.
Closing Thoughts
At Mountain Land Physical Therapy, we’re proud to have therapists like Kim Peterson on our team professionals who not only deliver outstanding care but also advocate for smarter healthcare policies.
Falls may not make headlines, but they don’t have to devastate lives. With dedicated therapists like Kim, prevention and patient-centered care are within reach.
Ready to take proactive steps toward better balance and mobility? Schedule an appointment with Kim Peterson at our Kuna clinic today.
