Physical Therapist how-to

How to Assess Fall Risk

Fall assessments prevent injuries.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Fall assessments prevent injuries. In short: ask; review; test, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Ask about recent falls.

  2. Review medications.

  3. Test balance and gait.

  4. Check strength.

  5. Review home hazards.

  6. Create a prevention plan.

Safety reminders for physical therapists

  • Use proper body mechanics
  • Guard patients during gait training
  • Follow infection control
  • Watch for vital sign changes during exercise

DPT · Range of motion · Gait · Manual therapy · Therapeutic exercise · Goniometer: see the full physical therapist glossary.

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