How does physio help after a fall?

Recovery after a fall is more than the bone

When an older person falls and breaks a bone, the fracture is only part of it. The fall itself often shakes their confidence to move.

After the bone heals, the muscles are weaker and balance is unsteady. Fear of falling again can make the person move even less.

A physiotherapist works on all of this, the strength, the balance and the confidence, so the person can move safely again.

What a physiotherapist works on

Once your doctor confirms the bone has healed enough, we assess how the person moves, stands and walks. That guides the plan.

We rebuild strength in the legs, work on balance to steady them, and practise real tasks like standing from a chair and walking to the bathroom.

We pace this to the older body, adding a little at a time so it does not overwhelm them.

Lowering the risk of another fall

Preventing the next fall matters as much as recovering from this one. Balance work and leg strength are a big part of that.

We also look at the home, loose mats, poor lighting, a missing rail, and suggest simple changes that make it safer.

The caregiver is shown how to help the person move safely, so confidence grows for the whole family.

When to see a doctor

Follow your doctor’s guidance on when the limb can move and take weight. Seek review if pain suddenly worsens or the limb looks a different shape.

Go to hospital if a calf becomes hot, swollen and painful, or the person feels short of breath, as these can signal a clot. A new fall with a hard knock also needs checking.

We would rather you check early. Physiotherapy works best once the medical side is safe.

Making the home safer together

A safer home lowers the chance of another fall, so we look at it with you.

Loose mats, poor lighting, a step without a rail, and clutter in walkways are common risks. We point them out and suggest simple changes.

Alongside the strength and balance work, a safer home helps the person move with more confidence day to day.