Understanding Fall Risk — and When to Seek Care

Every year, one in four adults over age 65 experiences a fall, according to the CDC. For many, the fear of falling becomes just as limiting as the fall itself — leading to less activity, weaker muscles, and an even higher risk of injury.

The Good News: Most Falls Are Preventable

With proactive care, strength training, and balance support, you can stay active, confident, and independent.

At SportOrtho, we specialize in conservative orthopedic care — focusing on prevention, movement, and non-surgical solutions. Our team of orthopedic specialists and physical therapists helps patients regain balance, stability, and peace of mind through evidence-based care designed specifically for fall risk prevention.

Why Choose SportOrtho for Fall Risk Prevention?

Our goal is simple: keep you strong, steady, and independent — not waiting until after a fall happens to act.

Our conservative care model focuses on treating the root causes of instability rather than masking symptoms. Each patient receives a personalized plan that may include:

·         ✅ Comprehensive fall risk assessment

·         🧍‍♀️ Balance and gait training with licensed physical therapists

·         💪 Strength and mobility exercises to restore confidence

·         🏠 Home safety education and proactive prevention strategies

We empower every patient with the knowledge and tools to live without fear.

And with convenient clinic locations across Middle Tennessee — including Clarksville, White House, Hendersonville, East Nashville, Mt. Juliet, Brentwood, Antioch, Murfreesboro, Manchester, Spring Hill, and Lawrenceburg — expert care is always nearby.

Understanding the “Why” — Common Causes of Falls

Falls rarely happen by accident. Most occur because of one or more underlying risk factors that gradually build over time.

Common causes of falls among older adults include:

·         Muscle weakness or poor balance: Natural muscle loss with age can make walking, standing, or turning more difficult.

·         Joint stiffness or arthritis: Limited range of motion affects your gait and stability.

·         Medication side effects: Some prescriptions cause dizziness, low blood pressure, or drowsiness.

·         Home hazards: Loose rugs, uneven floors, or poor lighting increase risk.

·         Vision or vestibular issues: The vestibular system — the part of your inner ear that controls balance — can weaken with age, affecting coordination and stability.

Recognizing these factors early gives you the chance to act before a fall occurs. Taking action isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a step toward independence.

How Conservative Orthopedic Care and Physical Therapy Help

Conservative orthopedic care focuses on keeping your body strong, stable, and pain-free — without surgery.

At SportOrtho, our physical therapists and orthopedic providers collaborate to build customized fall prevention programs that restore balance and confidence.

Here’s how physical therapy helps lower your fall risk:

·         ⚖️ Balance & Stability Training: Retrains your body’s ability to stay centered and steady.

·         💪 Strength & Flexibility Exercises: Targeted routines to strengthen legs, hips, and core — key muscle groups for stability.

·         🚶 Gait Retraining: Corrects stride patterns and posture.

·         🎯 Vestibular Rehabilitation: For dizziness or vertigo, specialized exercises retrain the inner ear’s role in balance.

·         🏡 Functional Training: Simulates real-world movements to navigate stairs, uneven surfaces, and daily tasks safely.

Physical therapy isn’t just for recovery — it’s one of the most powerful tools for prevention.

Our conservative approach starts with movement-based care first. Surgery or medication are never first-line treatments unless absolutely necessary. The result? A proactive plan that keeps you strong, confident, and independent for years to come.

Simple Steps You Can Take Today

Even small lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce your fall risk.

Start with these simple steps:

1.      💊 Review your medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects that could cause dizziness or imbalance.

2.      👀 Schedule a vision and hearing check. Changes can impact depth perception and coordination.

3.      🧘 Add balance exercises. Try heel-to-toe walks, standing on one foot, or gentle yoga.

4.      🏡 Make your home safer. Remove loose rugs, secure cords, improve lighting, and install grab bars in bathrooms.

5.      🚶‍♀️ Stay active. Daily movement builds muscle strength and confidence — two of the best defenses against falling.

Small steps today can prevent major injuries tomorrow.

When to Seek Care

It’s important to seek professional help before a fall happens — but there are also clear warning signs that it’s time to act.

Schedule a fall risk assessment if you notice:

·         Feeling unsteady when standing or walking

·         Dizziness, vertigo, or blurred vision

·         Needing to hold onto furniture for balance

·         A “close call” or recent stumble

·         A previous fall, even if you weren’t injured

If any of these sound familiar, now is the right time to get help. Don’t wait until an injury forces you to slow down — take control today.

Take the First Step Toward Fall Prevention

Falling isn’t a normal part of aging — it’s a signal your body needs support.

With early intervention, most fall risks can be corrected through targeted exercise, education, and conservative care.

At SportOrtho, we’re here to help you move confidently again. Our experienced team combines orthopedic expertise with personalized physical therapy programs to improve strength, balance, and peace of mind.

📞 Contact SportOrtho today to schedule your comprehensive fall risk assessment and take the first step toward lifelong mobility and independence.