Balance and Falls Prevention

Physical therapists assess a patient's ability to maintain sitting and standing balance by examining all of the components that influence postural control, including sensory and biomechanical factors such as muscle strength, joint range of motion and coordination. Standardized assessments are used to assess a patient's risk for falls. Treatment strategies take into account not only the patient's skills, but also the environmental factors that may contribute to falls and may involve the use of an assistive device. Treatment focuses on modifying patients' own skills, as well as adjusting environmental factors to ensure safety.