What is it?
Falls are a leading cause of injury in adults over 65, yet most falls are preventable. Physiotherapy identifies fall risk factors and implements evidence-based training to significantly reduce fall frequency and severity.
Common causes
- Muscle weakness, especially in the legs
- Poor balance and reduced proprioception
- Medication side effects (dizziness, low blood pressure)
- Vision impairment
- Hazards in the home environment
- Conditions: Parkinson's, peripheral neuropathy, post-stroke
Signs and symptoms
- History of a recent fall
- Fear of falling (which itself increases fall risk)
- Unsteadiness when walking or turning
- Dizziness on standing
- Difficulty getting up from a chair or climbing stairs
Physiotherapy treatment at VPARC
- Otago exercise programme — the most evidence-based fall prevention programme
- Strength training for quadriceps and hip muscles
- Tai Chi — proven to reduce falls by 30–50%
- Vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness-related imbalance
- Home hazard assessment and safety recommendations
What you can do at home
- Remove trip hazards: loose rugs, trailing wires, clutter on the floor
- Install grab rails in the bathroom and near stairs
- Ensure good lighting in all areas, especially at night
- Wear well-fitting, non-slip footwear at all times inside the home
- Practice standing on one leg while holding a support for 30 seconds each side daily
When to visit VPARC
Visit VPARC if you have had a fall in the past year, if you are afraid of falling, or if a family member has noticed unsteadiness. Fall prevention is one of the most impactful interventions in elderly care — it maintains independence.
Call +91 98896 78838 or read more on our Geriatric Physiotherapy in Varanasi page. This leaflet is general information and does not replace a medical assessment.