Physical Therapy For Slip And Fall Injuries

A patch of ice outside, a bit of water on the floor, or a moment of lost balance – and suddenly, you find yourself on the floor.

Slip and fall injuries are one of the most common types of injuries.

Falls are common throughout our lifetime, which may cause us to take our recovery from them for granted.

In all age groups except for those aged 15-24, falls are actually the most common cause of accidental injuries like sprains, strains, and fractures.

Oftentimes, we tend to think that a bad fall can be managed with over the counter medication and rest.

For a minor fall, this may be enough.

However, if damage to a bone, a muscle, or a ligament occurs, you might have a hard time healing on your own.

If you’ve experienced a fall related injury, a physical therapist can help.

Physical therapists can offer a proper assessment and an effective treatment plan.

Even if you’re confident you know what type of injury you’ve sustained, physical therapy may be beneficial.

Not only can they help you recover, but discuss tools and equipment that might prevent future falls too.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at slip and fall injuries and how physical therapy can help.

Common Types Of Injuries From Slip And Falls

It’s probably not surprising, but there are many different injuries you can get from a slip and fall.

This is because of the nature of the injury.

It happens without warning, which can cause your body to twist in awkward and uncomfortable ways.

And of course, the impact varies each time.

But here are some of the most common injuries that occur when we slip and fall.

1. Sprains And Strains

Sprains are common, but can wind up creating years long complications.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, like the ones in your wrist or ankle.

They get stretched or torn when you fall, which results in:

• Pain
• Reduced mobility
• Swelling

Likewise, a strain can occur from a fall and present with similar symptoms.

The difference between the two is that a strain impacts the muscle or tendon rather than a ligament.

RELATED ARTICLE: Physical Therapy For Sprains And Strains

2. Fractures

A fracture can also occur and can often be more disabling than either sprains or strains.

A fracture, also known as a broken bone, can vary in severity.

In the case of a hairline fracture, which is a very thin crack in one spot, you might mistake it for a sprain and try to use the affected limb.

That’s one of the reasons it’s so important to consult us after a fall.

It’s important to know the exact extent of the damage, and how to properly manage your symptoms to allow your body to optimally heal.

Fractures often require a cast or sling, depending on the area.

The bone needs to be kept still while it heals.

A side effect of this is that the muscle surrounding the affected bone may weaken over the course of your healing.

You’ll want to talk to us about regaining the muscle to regain mobility and reduce future pain.

3. Head Injuries

Hitting your head when you fall is among the most concerning injuries that can occur, and where prevention matters most.

Milder results include cuts and contusions, but you may also experience a concussion.

A concussion is a milder type of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

It happens when your brain rattles around inside of your skull.

More serious traumatic brain injuries can happen during a slip and fall as well, but concussions are more common.

Regardless, if you hit your head it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

That’s especially true if you feel fine after.

Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury don’t always show up right away.

After, TBI physical therapy can help you recover from some of its associated symptoms.

These can include:

• Vestibular therapy for poor balance
• Limited mobility
• Dizziness
• Chronic headache physical therapy

How Can Physical Therapy Help With Recovery From A Slip And Fall Accident?

No matter what type of injury you’ve sustained, a physical therapist can develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

There’s a lot of overlap when it comes to the symptoms you experience after a fall.

Luckily, that means a number of our techniques are applicable no matter what you’d like to work on.

Here are some of the solutions your physical therapist may recommend.

1. Range Of Motion Exercises

Movement based therapy focuses on range of motion.

It involves controlled exercises that focus on the problem areas.

These exercises:

• Improve balance and coordination
• Loosen stiff joints to improve flexibility
• Strengthen muscles
• Train the body with proper movement patterns, preventing future falls

2. Strengthening Exercises For Seniors

As we age, our muscles lose elasticity and can weaken.

We become more prone to falls when our muscles can’t support us.

This understandably can be a source of fear, but you don’t have to feel helpless.

We work on strengthening exercises that are well-suited to our older clientele.

RELATED ARTICLE: A Physical Therapist’s Role In Treating Frailty

3. Balance Training Exercises

If you have difficulty maintaining balance on one or both feet, we’re happy to work with you on balance training.

There are a variety of balance oriented exercises we can guide you through.

When it comes to a slip and fall injury, there are a number of different causes of poor balance after the fact.

Your physical therapist will work to determine the cause, and help you improve your balance.

That’s especially key in terms of fall prevention.

How To Prevent Slip And Fall Injuries

There are several factors involved when determining whether or not you’re at higher risk for slips and falls.

These include:

• Osteorthritis and joint pain
• Blindness or impaired vision
• History of stroke
• Medication use, particularly if you’re on many different ones
• Older age
• Comorbidities like diabetes or hypertension

RELATED ARTICLE: How Can Physical Therapy Help You Recover From A Stroke?

If you’re at greater risk of falling, we can talk with you about implementing safety measures.

1. Home Safety Modifications

There are basic home safety measures you should be on the lookout for, such as:

• Keeping floors clean and dry
• Removing obstacles
• Uneven or loose flooring
• Wearing proper footwear

There are also special modifications we can recommend for you, though, like:

• Installation of handrails or grab bars
• Non-slip mats or carpeting
• Shower chairs

2. Community Resources

We can put you in touch with other resources that may make you feel safer.

There are services such as personal support workers (PSWs) who can be with you during higher risk activities, such as showering.

You may also want to get in touch with seasonal services to help salt and shovel ice and snow.

Book Your Appointment With Our Physical Therapy Clinic Today

Slip and fall injuries can seem minor at first, but without proper care, they can lead to long‑term pain, weakness, and a higher risk of future falls.

Whether you’re dealing with a sprain, fracture, concussion, or lingering stiffness, physical therapy can play a key role in a safe and full recovery.

At Capitol Physical Therapy, our team of physical therapists will assess your injury, restore strength and mobility, and help you build confidence in your movement again.

We also offer fall‑prevention strategies so you can feel safer going forward.

Book your appointment with Capitol Physical Therapy today and take the first step toward healing and staying on your feet.