11/21/2025
Fall Prevention: Why Staying on Your Feet Matters More Than Ever!
By Nick Greenwell, MPT at Burley Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in older adults, but the truth is this: most falls are preventable. With the right strategies, the right exercises, and the right guidance, you can dramatically reduce your risk—and stay active, confident, and independent.
At Burley Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, we specialize in creating customized fall-prevention plans that help you stay safe while continuing to do the things you love.
Why Falls Happen More Often With Age:
As we get older, multiple systems that keep us balanced begin to change:
Muscle weakness, especially in the hips and legs
Slower reaction time
Decreased joint mobility
Vision changes
Inner ear and vestibular issues
Medications that affect balance
A small change in just one system can increase your fall risk. But when several systems change at once—which is common as we age—balance becomes much more challenging.
Why Physical Therapy is Critical for Fall Prevention:
Physical therapy is one of the most effective tools to reduce fall risk because we target every system involved in balance. With a personalized evaluation, we identify exactly where your balance is breaking down and create a tailored program that strengthens your body’s ability to keep you upright.
Your fall-prevention plan may include:
✔ Strength training (especially the legs and hips)
✔ Balance retraining
✔ Gait (walking) training
✔ Vestibular and dizziness rehabilitation
✔ Functional training (stairs, curbs, household tasks)
✔ Reaction-time training
✔ Flexibility and joint mobility
✔ Assistive device recommendations
✔ Home safety modifications
Our programs are practical, effective, and easy to integrate into your daily routine.
The Statistics Are Clear — But You Can Beat Them!
1 out of 4 adults over age 65 will fall this year
Falls are the #1 cause of hip fractures
Falls are the #1 cause of ER visits in older adults
After one fall, your chances of falling again double
But with the right intervention, you can dramatically reduce these risks.
Studies show that balance and strength training can reduce fall risk by up to 40%.
What We Do Differently at Burley Physical Therapy:
We go beyond basic exercises. Our therapists use:
Cutting-edge vestibular rehab for dizziness and imbalance;
Cognitive dual-task training (walking + memory tasks) to mirror real-life situations;
Strength testing and individualized progression;
Fall-proofing strategies for home and daily life;
Our team is trained to address the underlying causes of your imbalance—not just the symptoms.
The Goal: Confidence Without Fear
It’s not just about preventing falls,
It’s about restoring:
Confidence
Mobility
Independence
Peace of mind
Most people don’t realize how life-changing balance training can be until they experience it for themselves.
You Don’t Have to Live in Fear of Falling!
If you or someone you love has experienced a fall, feels unsteady, or simply wants to be proactive about aging safely, we’re here to help.
📞 Call Burley Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation! 208-678-1191
🌐 www.burleyphysicaltherapy.com
Your future can be strong, stable, and confident.