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Balance and Fall Prevention
Feeling steady on your feet is the foundation of staying independent. Empathy Physical Therapy offers in-home fall risk assessments and balance training that help you understand your risk, improve your balance and walking, and make your home a safer place to move.
Falls are common, and often preventable
According to the CDC, about one in four adults age 65 and older falls each year, and a fall often leads to more fear of falling, less activity and a higher chance of falling again. The good news is that balance, strength and walking can all be trained at any age. Many of the biggest risk factors are things physical therapy can directly improve.
Signs it's time for a balance assessment
You’ve fallen, or nearly fallen, in the past year.
You hold on to walls or furniture as you move around the house.
Fear of falling is keeping you from things you enjoy.
You feel dizzy or unsteady when you stand up or turn.
Walking has become slower or feels less sure.
Your balance changed after an illness, surgery or new medication.
What happens in a fall risk assessment
A fall risk assessment looks at the things that most affect how steady you are: leg strength, balance while standing still and moving, how you walk and turn, how quickly you react, your inner ear and vision-related balance, and how well you get up from a chair or the floor. We also look at your home: lighting, rugs, stairs, the bathroom and the paths you use most.
You’ll come away with a clear picture of what’s driving your risk and a plan to address it.
What we work on
Balance training
Progressive exercises that safely challenge your balance and build confidence.
Gait training
Improving how you walk, including on stairs, curbs and uneven ground.
Strength and mobility
Building the leg and core strength that keeps you steady.
Getting up safely
Practicing how to get up from a chair, a bed or the floor.
Fall prevention plan
A clear plan for what to practice and what to change at home.
Why home is the best place to work on balance
Many falls happen at home, so that’s where we practice. We work with the actual stairs, rugs, bathroom and lighting you deal with every day, and can make practical changes on the spot, like where a grab bar would help or which rug should go.
Worried about a parent?
Many balance patients are referred by a son or daughter who’s noticed a change. You’re welcome to join the phone consult or the first visit so everyone is on the same page.
If dizziness or vertigo is part of the problem, see dizziness and concussion → Corey Klein, PT, is a certified vestibular and concussion specialist.
For balance changes related to Parkinson’s, neuropathy or stroke, see neurological conditions →
Common questions about balance and falls
Is it too late to improve my balance?
No. Balance and strength respond to training at any age.
I haven't fallen yet. Is an assessment still worth it?
Yes. The best time to address fall risk is before a fall happens.
How long does it take to see a difference?
Many people notice they feel steadier within a few weeks of consistent practice, but it varies. We’ll track your progress with the same tests used at your first visit.