Balance and Fall Prevention

Statistics show that about 35% of people over age 65 experience one or more falls per year.

Falls represent the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults and active youth. The cause of preventable falls can range from sports, lower extremity strength and flexibility limitations to vertigo, dizziness, and vision limitations. Falls may result in injuries as minor as bumps and bruises to something more serious such as fractures in the hand, wrist, arm, spine, or the head, and even mild head injury that can include concussion.

Those who have fallen many times become afraid of falling again and therefore, move more cautiously and become less active or mobile. This can lead to a loss in strength, flexibility, reaction time and balance. This ongoing cycle can perpetuate itself and cause a loss of personal independence.

The good news for residents of Chester County, PA is that falls can be prevented. At The Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at Chester County Hospital, our state-of-the-art facilities and physical therapists can help. Our therapists not only treat those recovering from falls, but also screen for those at risk, and provide intervention or recommendations to help prevent future accidents.

Care is begun by assessing the various body systems that contribute to maintaining balance. Then our therapists provide patients with clinical therapeutic exercises and individualized home exercise programs. For scholastic athletes, this would include coordinating return to sports guidelines with your licensed / certified athletic trainer. Since support is a necessary part of recovery and management, our therapists also work to educate your family and friends on how they can be a part of the rehabilitation process.

The rehabilitation process can seem overwhelming at times. Support is an important part of recovery and management. Before the completion of your program, our therapists will ensure that all patient and family concerns have been discussed. They will also review steps that can be taken at home to ensure a safe location for patients to return. Depending upon your home needs and your insurance, a home safety assessment can be scheduled through Penn Medicine at Home in West Chester, PA.

Balance and Gait Training with Harness Support

At Chester County Hospital, our Balance and Fall Prevention program also offers gait and balance training with harness support at our Kennett Square, PA facility, allowing patients to practice all types of activity while being comfortably supported. This harness and rail system is useful for those with Parkinson's Disease  stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, vestibular problems, peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injury and others. Learn more about the benefits of harness supported activities. 

A physician's prescription is necessary for treatment.

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