What is Falls Prevention?
Falls prevention is a specialist area of physiotherapy that focuses on reducing your risk of falling while improving your balance, strength, mobility and confidence. Falls are common, particularly in older adults and people living with neurological or vestibular conditions, but they are not an inevitable part of ageing.
A fall can result in injuries such as fractures, head injuries and reduced mobility. Many people also develop a fear of falling after an incident, leading them to become less active. Unfortunately, this can cause further muscle weakness, poorer balance and an even greater risk of future falls.
The good news is that many falls can be prevented through a comprehensive assessment and personalised rehabilitation programme.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy aims to identify why you are at risk of falling and address the underlying factors contributing to your balance or mobility problems.
At Greenacre Physio, your rehabilitation programme may include:
- Comprehensive falls risk assessment
- Balance and postural control training
- Walking and gait retraining
- Lower limb strengthening exercises
- Functional mobility training
- Coordination exercises
- Vestibular rehabilitation where appropriate
- Transfer and stair practice
- Advice on walking aids and home safety
- Personalised home exercise programmes
Our goal is to help you move with greater confidence, maintain your independence and reduce your risk of future falls.
Why Choose Greenacre Physio?
At Greenacre Physio, our clinicians have extensive experience helping people reduce their risk of falls through specialist NHS neurological, stroke and vestibular rehabilitation services, as well as private practice.
We understand that every person's risk factors are different. Whether your falls are related to balance problems, dizziness, Parkinson's disease, stroke, muscle weakness or reduced confidence, we provide a personalised rehabilitation programme based on the latest evidence and your individual goals.
Appointments are available at our Essex and Cambridge clinics, as well as through home visits and virtual consultations. Home visits can be particularly beneficial for assessing mobility within your own environment and identifying practical ways to reduce falls risk.
What to Expect
Your first appointment will include a detailed discussion about your falls history, medical conditions, medications, mobility and personal goals. We will assess your balance, walking, strength, coordination and functional movements such as standing from a chair, turning and climbing stairs.
Following your assessment, we will explain the factors contributing to your falls risk and develop a personalised rehabilitation programme. Where appropriate, we can also advise on home modifications, walking aids and strategies to help you move more safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can physiotherapy prevent falls?
Physiotherapy cannot eliminate every fall, but it can significantly reduce your risk by improving strength, balance, coordination and confidence. It also helps identify modifiable risk factors before they lead to future falls.
I've only fallen once. Should I still have an assessment?
Yes. Even a single fall can indicate an increased risk of future falls. Early assessment can identify any underlying issues and help prevent further incidents.
I feel unsteady but haven't fallen. Can physiotherapy help?
Absolutely. Many people seek physiotherapy because they have lost confidence or feel unsteady. Early intervention can improve your balance and reduce the likelihood of a fall occurring.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer directly to Greenacre Physio. We also accept referrals from GPs, consultants, rehabilitation teams, case managers and other healthcare professionals.
Book an Appointment
If you have experienced a fall, feel unsteady on your feet or want to reduce your risk of falling, we're here to help. Book an appointment at one of our Essex or Cambridge clinics, arrange a home visit, or schedule a virtual consultation with one of our experienced physiotherapists.
Common Reasons People Attend Falls Prevention Physiotherapy
- Previous falls
- Feeling unsteady when walking
- Poor balance
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced confidence leaving the house
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Neurological conditions such as stroke or Parkinson's disease
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Reduced mobility following illness or surgery
- Age-related changes affecting balance and strength
Why Choose Greenacre Physio for Falls Prevention?
Preventing falls is about far more than improving balance—it is about maintaining your independence, confidence and quality of life. At Greenacre Physio, we provide comprehensive falls risk assessments and evidence-based rehabilitation tailored to your individual needs.
Our clinicians have extensive experience working within specialist NHS neurological, stroke and vestibular services, supporting people with a wide range of conditions that increase the risk of falls. By identifying the factors contributing to your instability and addressing them through personalised rehabilitation, we aim to help you move safely, stay active and continue doing the things you enjoy with confidence.