Falls prevention and balance physio

Why balance changes

Balance depends on your eyes, inner ears, muscles, joints and brain working together. With age, muscle strength, reaction time and sensation in the feet can decline. Medications, poor vision, foot problems, long-term conditions and a fear of falling can add to the risk.

A fall does not just mean a possible injury. It can also lead people to move less, which can weaken the body further. The good news is that much of this can be improved with the right exercise.

Signs it may be time to get help

• You have fallen, or nearly fallen, in the past year
• You feel unsteady when walking, turning or getting out of a chair
• You hold on to furniture to get around
• You avoid activities because you worry about falling
• You have been told your balance, strength or vision has changed

What a physio assesses

A falls prevention assessment usually looks at:

• Leg strength and how you stand up from a chair
• Balance, standing and walking, including turning
• Your gait, footwear and any walking aid
• Fear of falling and recent falls
• Home hazards and what might make daily tasks risky
• Medications and health conditions that may contribute, which your GP or pharmacist can review

Exercises that help

Research supports balance and strength exercise as one of the most effective ways to reduce falls in older adults. Programs usually include challenging balance exercises, leg strengthening, and walking practice, done regularly over months. Your physio will design a program for your abilities and give you a plan you can continue at home.

• Standing with feet closer together or on one leg, with support nearby
• Sit-to-stand practice and leg strengthening
• Stepping and weight shifting
• Tai chi or group classes can be a good option for some people

Exercise should be challenging but safe. Check with your doctor or physio before starting a new program, particularly if you have a heart or other health condition.

If you feel dizzy

Dizziness or vertigo may need a different approach. See our guide to physio for dizziness and vertigo.

When to see a doctor first

• You have had a fall and have pain, can’t bear weight or hit your head
• You faint, have chest pain, or have unexplained dizziness
• You notice sudden weakness, confusion or speech changes. Call 000
• You are taking medication that may cause drowsiness or low blood pressure

Costs and funding

Costs vary. Private health extras may pay a rebate. If you have a chronic condition, ask your GP whether a care plan can provide some Medicare-rebated allied health visits. Some older Australians can also access subsidised physio through My Aged Care or home support programs. See our Medicare guide for more.

Common questions

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or physio about your own situation.