Megan Colletti, MS, OTR/L, occupational therapist at Pain Consultants of East Tennessee.

By Megan Colletti, MS, OTR/L

Falls Prevention Awareness Week highlights an important issue, but fall prevention deserves attention throughout the year.

For people living with chronic pain, changes in strength, balance, and movement can make everyday activities more challenging. Identifying those challenges can help you take practical steps toward safer movement.

How Can Chronic Pain Affect Fall Risk?

Chronic pain and conditions such as arthritis may affect how you walk, move, and participate in daily activities. Fear of falling can also lead people to limit their activity, which may contribute to reduced strength.

Other factors can increase fall risk, too. These include vision problems, certain medications, poorly fitting shoes, and hazards around the home.

Falls often involve several contributing factors. A healthcare professional can help identify which ones apply to you.

How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Occupational therapy focuses on making everyday activities safer and more manageable.

At PCET, an occupational therapist can assess your routines and discuss changes that address your specific fall risks. Recommendations may include bathroom modifications, footwear choices, mobility aids, and strategies for moving safely during daily tasks.

The goal is to support your independence while helping you feel more confident in your surroundings.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy addresses strength, flexibility, balance, and walking.

Your therapist can develop an exercise program based on your abilities and limitations. They can also teach movement strategies and provide a home exercise plan to support continued practice.

If pain makes movement difficult, your care team can discuss appropriate ways to address it.

Practical Steps to Reduce Fall Risk

Small changes can help make your environment safer:

  • Clear clutter, loose rugs, and other tripping hazards from walkways.
  • Improve lighting, especially around stairs and routes to the bathroom.
  • Discuss properly installed grab bars and stair handrails.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether any medications could affect your balance or alertness.
  • Talk with your provider about vision checks and suitable strength and balance exercises.

Start a Conversation About Fall Prevention

Tell your healthcare provider if you have fallen, feel unsteady, or worry about falling. Ask whether a physical or occupational therapy evaluation could help address your concerns.

You can also explore these educational resources:

Learn more about our physical and occupational therapy services or call us at (865) 579-0552.