CDC Highlights Need for Fall Prevention Physical Therapy

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the need for more emphasis on falls prevention – including referrals for physical therapy.

The recently released 2018 study looked at 2.4 million emergency department visits and more than 700,000 hospitalizations across the U.S. due to unintentional injuries among people 65 and older. Of those injuries, more than 90% were related to falls, far outpacing motor vehicle crashes (7.8%).

According to the report, “Injuries are not an inevitable part of aging. Health care providers can help prevent injuries by referring to physical therapy and deprescribing certain medications.”

Many risk factors for injuries increase with age, including poor balance, visual impairment, and increased medication use. Medications linked to falls include opioids, benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants. Opioids, which are commonly used to treat chronic pain, come with other risks, including potential for abuse and serious addiction.

The CDC recommends health care providers focus on injury prevention, including exercises to improve strength and mobility through physical therapy, regular eye exams, and reducing medications that can increase the risk for injury.

Studies also show that having one fall can potentially double a person’s risk of a second fall, beginning what is called the fall cycle (shown below). People who have a history of falls are at an even higher risk, and can benefit from a balance and fall risk assessment and strengthening program with an experienced physical therapist.

Click here to view a webinar with Dr. Alicia Heading on balance and fall prevention.

Click here to learn about Renue Physical Therapy’s balance and fall prevention program, or request an appointment online with a clinic near you.