Physical Therapy is a Proven Solution to Falls Among the Elderly

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 30 million elderly Americans fall every year – a figure representing roughly one-quarter of all seniors. This problem is only expected to worsen as America’s population grows older, underscoring the valuable role physical therapy can play in addressing this epidemic.

Physical therapy treatments enable seniors to remain steady and maintain their independence. Physical therapists are also trained to conduct patient home assessments which evaluate a patient’s living space and identify potential fall hazards. In fact, a recent study showed that older citizens who underwent an exercise intervention from a trained healthcare professional lowered their risk of a fall by 31%.

Physical therapy can help improve older Americans’ balance, strength, and independence –– while bolstering patient outcomes and preventing costly injuries. We must not allow Medicare cuts and access barriers to stand in the way of seniors’ health and safety.