Falls Aren’t Just a Part of Ageing: How Physio Can Help Prevent Them
Falls Aren’t Just a Part of Ageing
How Physio Can Help Prevent Them
You’ve probably heard someone say it before—“Oh, they had a fall... but that’s just what happens when you get older.”
But here’s the truth: falls are common in older adults, but they’re not inevitable.
And better yet, they can often be prevented—with the right support.
Let’s take a closer look at why falls happen, what can be done to reduce the risk, and how physiotherapy can play a big role in helping older adults stay steady on their feet.
Why Do Older Adults Fall?
As we age, a few changes naturally happen in the body:
Muscles lose strength
Balance becomes a little less steady
Reaction time slows down
Vision may decline
Certain medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness
But even with all that, falling isn’t just something that “comes with age.” It often happens because the body hasn’t had the right kind of support or movement over time.
Think of it like this—if you stop using certain muscles or stop challenging your balance, they weaken. Then, a small misstep or slippery surface becomes a big risk.
The Good News? Falls Can Be Prevented
Falls don’t have to be part of daily life. In fact, physiotherapy can reduce the risk of falls by building strength, improving balance, and increasing confidence.
That’s where we come in.
How Physiotherapy Helps Prevent Falls
Here’s how a physio can help someone feel more steady, safe, and secure:
1. We Start With a Personalised Assessment
Every person is different. That’s why we begin with a gentle, one-on-one look at how someone moves:
How’s their walking?
Do they sway when standing still?
Can they get up from a chair without help?
Are they using the right walking aid?
This gives us a clear picture of risk factors and what needs support.
2. We Build Balance and Strength—Step by Step
Once we know what’s going on, we create a simple plan to:
Strengthen leg and core muscles
Improve posture and stability
Boost flexibility in the ankles and hips
It’s not about pushing hard or sweating buckets. It’s about safe, steady progress—often with small exercises that fit into everyday life.
3. We Teach Safer Ways to Move
Sometimes, a fall happens not because of weakness, but because of a sudden twist, turn, or awkward movement.
We teach techniques for getting up safely, turning more smoothly, and using everyday furniture in safer ways—like how to get in and out of bed, or sit down without wobbling.
4. We Recommend the Right Equipment—If Needed
A lot of people resist using a walking stick or frame at first. We get it—it can feel like giving up independence.
But the right aid, fitted and adjusted by a physio, can actually boost confidence and help someone move more freely—not less.
5. We Help Make the Home Safer
We often do home visits to spot little things that could become big hazards:
Loose rugs
Dim lighting
Cluttered walkways
Slippery tiles
We’ll work with families or care providers to make changes that reduce fall risk.
Why Confidence Matters Just As Much As Strength
One of the biggest reasons people fall again? Fear.
After a fall, some people stop moving as much because they’re scared it’ll happen again.
But the less you move, the weaker you get—and the cycle continues.
That’s why physio is not just about exercise. It’s about building trust in the body again, and showing someone they can move safely, one step at a time.
Final Thought
Falls aren’t “just something that happens” when you get older.
And you or your loved one doesn’t have to live in fear of them.
With the right support, a personalised physio plan, and a bit of encouragement, it’s absolutely possible to stay active, independent, and safe.
If you’re starting to notice signs like unsteady walking, slower movement, or a recent fall—now’s a good time to chat with a physio. We’re here to help every step of the way.
