The Right Way to Recover From a Fall

One-fifth of falls cause significant injuries, but even a small tumble may signify that something is amiss. “Falls can be predictive of functional decline as well as future injuries,” says Lisa Caruso, MD, director of quality and patient safety in the department of medicine at Boston Medical Center. That’s one reason it’s wise to let your doctor know about any fall, Caruso says, as well as any “unintentional change in position from a higher level to a lower level,” such as slipping out of a chair or rolling out of bed.

Tell your doctor even if you don’t think you’re hurt, says Mary Campagnolo, MD, a family physician in Bordentown, N.J., and a member of the board of directors of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Some injuries are not immediately apparent. Also, your doctor may be able to help identify (and deal with) the cause of your fall, whether it’s a health issue such as a vision problem, a drug side­effect, or factors at home, like throw rugs that pose tripping hazards.

Call your doctor immediately if you are in any pain from a fall. If you have trouble moving—which could indicate a fracture—or you hit your head, seek emergency care, says Janna Friedly, MD, a professor of reha­bil­i­ta­tion medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle. (Loss of consciousness and/or confusion, lightheadedness, headaches, and dizziness are all signs of potential head trauma.)

Whether you were seriously injured or not hurt, your doctor is likely to set you up with physical therapy afterward, ­Caruso says. (If you broke a bone, your doctor may also recommend a scan to check the health of your bones.) PT can help you recover if you were hurt and, if you weren’t injured, can reduce the risk of future falls. “The only intervention that has been shown to have any evidence in preventing falls is activity in a supervised setting,” she says.

For some people, overcoming the worry about ­another fall can be quite a challenge. PT can help you regain physical confidence, Campagnolo says. Also, those who don’t build their activity levels back up are more likely to fall again—and more likely to experience a more serious injury the next time around.

An assistive device like a cane or a walker can also help you feel steadier, she says. And once you feel ready for a post-PT workout, and your doctor gives the okay, you’ll want to try exercises that help build strength, balance, and flexibility, experts say. You can look for tai chi, gentle yoga, or Enhanced Fitness classes—a program of group exercise found at YMCA clubs that aims to reduce fall risks.