Understanding Fall Risk: How to Stay Safe and Independent With Conservative Care
Falls are one of the biggest concerns for adults over 65. Many people start to feel a little unsteady when walking, get nervous on stairs, or worry about slipping at home. Those fears are valid. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults over age 65 falls every year, and many of these falls lead to injuries that affect independence and confidence.
But here’s the good news: most falls are preventable. When you understand your fall risk and get the right support, you can stay strong, active, and safe. At SportOrtho, we help older adults and their families take control of fall risk through conservative orthopedic care and physical therapy.
Why Choose SportOrtho for Fall Risk Help
At SportOrtho, we specialize in conservative, non-surgical orthopedic care, with a major focus on strength, mobility, and balance. Our team understands how your muscles, joints, bones, and nervous system all work together to keep you steady on your feet.
When you come to SportOrtho for fall risk support, you get:
A full fall risk assessment that looks at your balance, strength, flexibility, and walking pattern
Expert providers trained in preventing falls, not just treating injuries
In-house physical therapy, so your care stays consistent and easy
Same-day appointments at many locations
Compassionate care that focuses on confidence, not fear
Convenience across our Tennessee clinics in Clarksville, White House, Hendersonville, East Nashville, Mt. Juliet, Brentwood, Antioch, Murfreesboro, Manchester, Spring Hill, and Lawrenceburg
Our goal is simple: help you stay independent, active, and safe for as long as possible.
What Causes Fall Risk? (The “Why”)
Most falls don’t come out of nowhere. They usually happen because several small issues add up over time. Here are the most common causes, explained in simple terms:
1. Muscle Weakness
As we age, it’s normal to lose strength—especially in our legs, hips, and core. Weak muscles make it harder to stand up, walk, climb stairs, or catch yourself if you lose balance.
2. Balance Problems
Your balance depends on your eyes, ears, muscles, and brain working together. If any of these systems slow down, balance becomes harder.
Sometimes this affects the vestibular system, which is the part of your inner ear that helps control balance.
3. Gait (Walking) Changes
You may notice you shuffle more, walk slower, or feel unsteady when turning or stepping off a curb. These small changes increase fall risk.
4. Medications
Some medications cause dizziness, sleepiness, or drops in blood pressure. These side effects make falls more likely—especially when starting a new medication.
5. Chronic Conditions
Arthritis, neuropathy, diabetes, heart problems, and previous injuries can all affect stability and movement.
6. Vision Changes
Blurry or reduced vision makes it harder to spot steps, bumps, cords, or objects on the floor.
7. Home Hazards
Loose rugs, low lighting, clutter, and slippery floors are common causes of falls inside the home.
8. Past Falls
If you’ve fallen once, you’re more likely to fall again—unless you strengthen the areas contributing to the fall.
Understanding your risk factors is the first step to preventing a fall. The next step is taking action.
How Conservative Care and Physical Therapy Reduce Fall Risk (The “How”)
This is where SportOrtho truly shines. Conservative care means we focus on movement, strengthening, balance, and prevention—not surgery or invasive procedures.
A fall risk assessment helps us understand exactly what’s affecting your balance. Then, a physical therapist builds a plan tailored to your specific needs.
A. What a Fall Risk Assessment Includes
During your visit, your provider or physical therapist may:
Review your medical history and medications
Ask about recent falls or near-falls
Check your leg strength and flexibility
Watch how you walk
Test your balance with simple standing activities
Screen for dizziness or inner-ear (vestibular) issues
Look at posture and foot alignment
This assessment is safe, gentle, and gives us a clear map of where to help.
B. What a PT-Led Fall Prevention Program Looks Like
Your physical therapy plan is built around your unique needs, but typically includes:
1. Strength Training
Simple, low-impact exercises help build stronger legs, hips, and core muscles—your main defense against falls.
2. Balance Training
Your therapist will guide you through safe balance activities that challenge your body just enough to improve stability.
3. Gait Training
If your walking pattern is causing fall risk, PT can help you walk smoother, safer, and more confidently.
4. Vestibular Therapy
If dizziness or vertigo is contributing to your instability, vestibular therapy helps retrain your brain and inner ear.
5. Flexibility & Posture Work
Tight or weak muscles can pull your body out of alignment. Small posture improvements can make a big difference in balance.
6. Education
We teach you how to safely:
Get up from a chair
Turn without losing balance
Move around your home
Navigate uneven surfaces
Use assistive devices (if needed)
This isn’t about “working out.” It’s about strengthening your independence.
C. Why Conservative Care Works
Conservative care works because it targets the root causes of falls—weakness, instability, and slow reactions. With the right exercises, many patients improve quickly and feel more confident within weeks.
It’s safe, evidence-based, and proactive. Instead of waiting for a fall to happen, we work with you to prevent it.
You can access this care at all SportOrtho clinics across Tennessee, including Clarksville, White House, Hendersonville, East Nashville, Mt. Juliet, Brentwood, Antioch, Murfreesboro, Manchester, Spring Hill, and Lawrenceburg.
Simple Fall Prevention Tips You Can Start Today
Here are five easy steps you can take right now to help lower your fall risk:
1. Check Your Home for Hazards
Remove loose rugs, add night lights, keep walkways clear, and organize cords.
2. Review Medications
Ask your doctor or pharmacist which medicines may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
3. Get Your Eyes Checked Every Year
Clear vision helps you spot obstacles and changes in the floor.
4. Wear Supportive Shoes
Skip slippers, high heels, or walking in socks. Choose shoes with grip and good support.
5. Try Simple Balance Exercises
Holding onto the counter, practice standing on one foot for a few seconds or shifting your weight side to side.
These small steps make a big difference over time.
Conclusion & Call to Action
You deserve to feel steady, confident, and safe—at any age. Fall risk is not something you have to “just accept.” With the right help and a personalized plan, falls can be prevented.
Contact SportOrtho today to schedule your comprehensive fall risk assessment at any of our Tennessee clinic locations.
Let us help you build strength, improve balance, and stay independent longer.
