Seniors
Balance and Falls Prevention
Falls are common as we get older. Exercise that challenges balance and builds leg strength is recommended as part of preventing falls, and we test your balance and build a program around the results.
- Brookvale4/42-46 Wattle Road, Brookvale NSW 2100
- Terrey Hills · Wednesdays17 Yulong Avenue, Terrey Hills NSW 2084
- Balance testing
- One to one or small groups
- Designed with our physio
Understanding it
Why balance changes with age
Balance relies on strength, reaction time, vision, the inner ear and feedback from the joints and feet. As we age, and after illness or a period of inactivity, these systems can decline. Many people notice it first as less confidence on stairs, uneven paths or in the dark.
Balance can be trained at any age. Research supports regular exercise programs that challenge balance and build leg strength as part of falls prevention.
You may benefit if you
- Have had a fall or a near miss in the last year
- Feel unsteady on stairs, kerbs or uneven ground
- Hold on to furniture or walls when walking at home
- Have stopped activities because you are worried about falling
- Find it hard to get up from a chair without using your hands
Why it happens
What increases the risk of falling
Leg weakness
Weaker hips and thighs make it harder to recover a stumble.
Less activity
Moving less reduces strength, balance and confidence over time.
Medical factors
Some medications, low blood pressure, vision and foot problems can increase risk.
Home hazards
Rugs, poor lighting and clutter are common causes of trips.
How physiotherapy can help
How we assess and treat balance problems
- Balance and strength testingSimple tests of balance, walking, leg strength and getting up from the floor show where you are now.
- Your programExercises that challenge your balance with your physiotherapist’s guidance and build leg strength, plus practical advice on footwear and your home.
- Stay steadyContinue in one to one sessions or small physio designed classes and re-test to track progress.
Care at Solevo
Falls prevention services at Solevo
Safety first
When to see a GP or get urgent care first for balance problems
- Sudden dizziness, fainting or blackouts
- New confusion, slurred speech, facial droop or arm weakness (call 000)
- Several falls recently, or a fall with injury
- A sudden change in your walking or balance
Signs of a stroke are an emergency: call 000. For the other signs, see your GP so medical causes can be checked before you start a program.
Meet your physio in Brookvale
Emma Docker
Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Science | Master of Physiotherapy
Emma has a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and a Master of Physiotherapy, and sees clients at Brookvale and Terrey Hills.
FAQs
Falls prevention FAQs
Does exercise help prevent falls?
Research shows that exercise programs that challenge balance and build leg strength can reduce falls in older adults, but they cannot guarantee a fall will not happen. Your physiotherapist will build a program around your assessment and goals.
I have already had a fall. Is it too late?
No. You can still work on your balance and strength after a fall. A physio assessment is a good first step, so your physiotherapist can check your balance, strength and walking. If you are hurt or unwell after a fall, see your GP or call 000 in an emergency.
How often do I need to exercise?
Balance exercise works best when it is done regularly, so your physiotherapist will set a realistic schedule after your assessment, including exercises you can do at home. They will review it as you progress.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Family members and carers are welcome to come with you to your appointment.
What is balance physio?
Balance physio, sometimes called balance retraining, is physiotherapy that assesses your balance, walking and leg strength, then builds an exercise program to suit you. It is used for people who feel unsteady, have had a fall or want to work on balance.
Can physio help with balance problems?
Yes. Physiotherapists assess balance, strength and walking and prescribe exercises for balance problems caused by weakness, reduced activity or changes with age. If your balance problem comes with dizziness or spinning, see your GP first so medical causes can be checked.
What balance tests do you use?
Simple tests of balance, walking, leg strength and getting up from the floor show where you are now, and they are repeated to track progress.
Do you run falls prevention classes?
Yes. After your assessment you can continue in one to one sessions or small groups, including Active Seniors, with small group strength and balance classes in Brookvale and Terrey Hills.
How much does a balance assessment cost?
You’ll see the price for each appointment type when you book online.
How do I book?
Book a physio assessment through Cliniko with the Book Physio button, or a class through Mindbody with the Book Studio button.