Falls Prevention Program

Overview

WashU Medicine Physical Therapy offers a specialized Falls Prevention Program to evaluate and treat individuals at risk of falling.

Reasons to see a physical therapist:

• You have had a fall in the last year
• You come close to falling, even if you have not had a fall
• You feel off balance or unstable
• You are afraid of falling
• You have trouble getting around in the community (getting in/out of a car or bus, navigating stairs, or walking on uneven ground)
• You have questions about safety when exercising

Your Visit Includes:

• A Fall Risk and Balance Assessment: During your first visit, you will undergo an assessment to determine your risk for falls. Our therapists will compare your risk to other adults in your age range and provide valuable information about your balance, coordination, strength and mobility.
• Environmental Modification: Offer recommendations to modify your environment to reduce fall risk.
• A Physical Therapy Plan: discussion on need for physical therapy or recommendations for general physical activity

Our Approach:

Our therapists exclusively provide one-on-one care to provide evidence-based, individualized care and effective treatment plans. Some individuals may find a single session with a physical therapist very helpful, while others may benefit from multiple visits or ongoing therapy to address underlying fall risks.

Every WashU Medicine physical therapist holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, with many having board-specialist certifications in specific areas of practice. Our clinicians are trusted experts in evaluating and treating neurologic conditions and are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care.