Do you have trouble staying balanced? A fall prevention program may benefit you!
Are you concerned about being injured if you fall? Have you ever felt unsteady while walking or descending stairs? Have you ever stumbled and had to catch yourself by grabbing a nearby railing or piece of furniture? A fall prevention program at Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners may be beneficial to you.
In adults over the age of 65, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries, with 39,000 deaths annually from unintentional falls.
The good news is that with proper guidance, you can reduce and even prevent most falls, with targeted programs achieving a 35-40% reduction in falls. Unfortunately, most people do not consider working on their balance and gait until they have already fallen.
Fall risks are a major concern for seniors, and even if no injuries occur, a fall can result in a reduced ability to live an active and independent life. A fall frequently reduces a person’s confidence in activities at home and in their community. Addressing this fear is crucial for maintaining independence.
Exercise programs designed to prevent falls in older adults also help to prevent injuries from falls, even the most serious ones, with studies showing a 43% reduction in serious injuries. Our specialized geriatric therapy approach ensures age-appropriate interventions.
Our physical therapy team, including fall prevention specialists, creates programs tailored to your needs and abilities.
If you are worried about falling, please contact Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners right away to learn more about our fall prevention programs.
Common fall risk factors
Some people are more likely than others to fall. The following are some of the most common risk factors:
| Physical Factors | Medical Conditions | Neurological & Sensory |
| Muscle weakness or fatigue | Diabetic neuropathies | Vertigo or dizziness |
| Advanced age | Heart disease / Stroke history | Vision problems |
| Sedentary lifestyle | Arthritis / Artificial joints | Parkinson’s / MS / Alzheimer’s |
Our programs are tailored to your specific requirements, allowing you to feel confident in your daily activities.
To identify any risk factors, our physical therapists will review your medical history and perform a comprehensive physical evaluation. They will then walk you through the steps to improve your function and reduce your risk of falling.
What to expect from a fall prevention program at Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners
At Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners, your initial evaluation will include a comprehensive assessment of your range of motion, strength, and overall mobility. We may also evaluate your vision, gait, balance, and coordination.
The results of our tests will be used to identify all the factors that contribute to your risk of falling and to implement treatments that address your impairments and reduce your fall risks. When developing your personalized treatment plan, we will rely on research-backed programs.
Our fall prevention programs will employ the following strategies:
Strengthening exercises
Our physical therapists will create a strength training program tailored to your specific needs. This program will concentrate on strengthening specific muscle groups to ensure your mobility and recovery in the event of a fall.
Strength training is a critical component of any fall prevention treatment and will also reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a fall, according to research studies.
Your therapist will devise a program to help you improve your balance and standing, as well as your ability to recover from a fall.
For those unable to visit our clinic, home therapy services are also available.
Balance exercises
You may be required to perform specific balance-related exercises as part of your treatment plan. Standing on one leg is a common treatment that can be used as a diagnostic and treatment tool for an independent home program.
Your therapists will design your balance exercises based on your unique abilities. These exercises will address static and dynamic balance deficits, allowing you to perform your normal daily activities safely.
Our team may include obstacles and distractions to sharpen your reactions and abilities in unfamiliar environments or situations. Our therapists can create a program to address any limitation, regardless of your needs.
Pain management
Pain and injury can affect your stability and leave you unsteady on your feet. To reduce your risk of falling, it is critical to identify and address any factors affecting your balance.
Our comprehensive evaluation will determine the source of your pain and develop a plan to reduce or eliminate it. Our therapists will work quickly to ensure that your treatment plan addresses any pain you are experiencing.
Coordination training
Coordination training drills that stimulate the nervous system are an effective way to help reduce the risk of falling. Putting your ability to perceive and respond to changes in your environment to the test can mean the difference between stumbling and remaining stable.
Our physical therapists employ cutting-edge strategies to help you maximize your physical potential so you can safely participate in the activities you enjoy without the risk of falling!
Gait training
Gait activities are included in every good fall prevention program. For some, this means learning how to use an assistive device, such as a walker or cane. Others will use drills to simulate walking on uneven terrain.
Before developing any program, our therapists will assess your gait and overall mobility. They will use the evaluation information to create a program that ensures your safety while also challenging your abilities to maximize your capabilities.
To improve your balance, your physical therapist may instruct you to walk in a circle or complete an obstacle course. Whatever activities we choose, the goal will be to reduce your risk of falling.
Quick summary: Fall prevention
- Preventable risks: Most falls in adults over 65 can be prevented with professional guidance and targeted exercise.
- Customized programs: Therapy includes personalized strength, balance, and gait training to improve stability.
- Confidence & independence: Reducing fall risks helps seniors maintain an active lifestyle and stay independent at home.
- Comprehensive evaluation: Therapists assess vision, coordination, and medical history to identify specific risk factors.
Looking for ways to lower your risk of falling? Consider a Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners fall prevention program
At Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners, our primary goal is to assist you in avoiding falls and regaining confidence in the activities you enjoy.
Make an appointment at one of our Utah, Idaho, or Montana physical therapy clinics today to reduce your risk of a fall-related injury!
Your next steps
- Request an appointment
- Receive a custom treatment plan
- Work hard and progress in your recovery
- Recover & enjoy life pain-free.
Start taking control of your health. Get started today!
Frequently asked questions about fall prevention
What should I expect during a fall prevention program at Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners?
On your first visit, we will:
- Review your medical history and any past falls.
- Test your strength, range of motion, balance, vision, and walking pattern.
Based on the results, your therapist creates a plan that may include:
- Strength training to build the muscles that keep you steady.
- Balance drills that challenge you while standing and moving.
- Gait practice, sometimes with a cane or walker if needed.
- Pain-relief techniques such as gentle exercise or manual therapy.
- Coordination activities to help you react quickly to obstacles.
The program is updated as you improve, so you can move with confidence and lower your fall risk.
What are five simple ways I can prevent falls at home?
- Stay active with strength and balance exercises, such as walking or tai chi.
- Remove trip hazards, secure loose rugs, tidy cords, and clear clutter.
- Keep rooms well-lit and use night-lights in hallways and bathrooms.
- Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes instead of slippers or socks.
- Have your vision, hearing, and medications checked at least once a year.
What are the 5 P’s of fall prevention?
Nurses and caregivers often use the 5 P’s checklist:
- Proximity – Keep the bed, chair, and walker at the right height and distance.
- Potty – Offer help to the bathroom on a regular schedule.
- Pain – Ask about pain that could affect balance or movement.
- Position – Make sure the person is sitting or lying safely.
- Personal items – Place phone, water, and call buttons within reach.
What is the 10-second balance test, and how can it help me?
Stand near a counter, lift one foot, and try to balance for 10 seconds. Switch legs and repeat. Doing this simple test once or twice a day:
- Strengthens ankle and hip muscles.
- Improves your balance and reaction time.
- Gives you a quick check of your progress over time.
Always keep a sturdy surface within arm’s reach when you practice.
What documentation do I need for an auto accident claim?
- Accident date and location
- Personal and at-fault auto insurance information
- Claim numbers and adjuster contact details
- Remaining personal injury protection (PIP) amount
- Attorney information, if applicable
How can caregivers or nurses help lower someone’s fall risk?
- Use the 5 P’s checklist during each room visit.
- Keep walkways clear and floors dry.
- Ensure the person uses glasses, hearing aids, and shoes when walking.
- Provide steady support or assistive devices for bathroom trips.
- Report any change in balance, dizziness, or medication side effects to the care team.