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Physical therapy can make a difference—not just in recovery, but in falls prevention.

Falls are a major public health concern. According to the CDC, more than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States, and 20% to 30% of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries. Falls can exact a toll long after the initial injury, outranking chronic kidney disease, asthma, and Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in terms of effects on disability-adjusted life years, according to a 2017 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors study.

The physical therapy profession's role in falls risk reduction and prevention is supported by a strong body of research. What we do works.

 


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Additional Balance and Falls Content

Death From Falls Continues to Climb for Adults 65 and Older, CDC Says

Dec 9, 2022 / Article

In the U.S., mortality rates from unintentional falls have risen dramatically between 2000 and 2020, nearly tripling for women 85 and older.

A Closer Look at Falls and Falls Prevention

Sep 1, 2022 / Feature

All older adults should be screened for risk of falling. With National Falls Prevention Awareness week happening in September, here's a recap of reasons why and resources to help PTs meet that standard.

Evidence-Based Resources: APTA Keeps Members Up To Speed

Mar 23, 2022 / Roundup

APTA continues to expand an important member benefit. Here are the latest additions.

Clinical Summary of Functional Movement Disorders

Jan 13, 2022 / Article

Functional movement disorders (FMD) are characterized by a sudden onset of neurological symptoms resulting in abnormal involuntary movements with symptom variability that cannot be explained by a conventional neurological or medical disorder.

Falls Prevention: Assessing the Effects of the Pandemic

Sep 22, 2021 / Roundup

For Falls Prevention Awareness Week, a collection of recent research articles that focus on the intersection between falls and COVID-19.

Falls Responsible for 90% of Injury-Related ED and Hospital Visits Among 65+

May 27, 2021 / Review

A new report from CDC highlights the need for more emphasis on falls prevention — including referrals for physical therapy.

Falls Prevention: Recent Studies Make the Case for PT, PTA Involvement

Sep 22, 2020 / News

The magnitude of falls as a public health issue is significant — but more attention to falls prevention could make a difference.

CDC: Fall-Related TBI Death Jumped 17% 2008-2017

Mar 13, 2020 / Review

The rate of deaths related to traumatic brain injury received in a fall has climbed 17% in 10 years.

Fall-Related Injury and Death Remain Global Problems

Feb 18, 2020 / Review

Around the world, falls continue to pose a significant health care burden that varies from region to region in a variety of ways.

Senate Report Calls for More Emphasis on Falls Prevention

Oct 21, 2019 / News

A Senate committee presses for more concerted efforts to prevent falls among the elderly—including wider access to physical therapy.