FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers is mobilizing its nationwide network of clinics to address the significant public health issue of falls among older adults during September, which marks both National Falls Prevention Awareness Month and National Balance Awareness Week from September 14-20. With statistics showing that one in four older Americans experiences a fall each year, the company has partnered with the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) to raise awareness and provide critical interventions.
Throughout the month, participating FYZICAL clinics will offer complimentary fall risk screenings to community members of all ages, focusing on better understanding balance and vestibular disorders. The campaign includes community events featuring interactive elements such as a one-legged 'Flamingo' challenge and a 'Why I Stand' wall, designed to engage the public in proactive balance care. Each clinic will also host local fundraising efforts to support VeDA's national research, advocacy, and education initiatives.
Rick Douglass, PT, DPT, and Chief Clinical Officer at FYZICAL, emphasized the devastating impact of falls, stating they rob individuals of confidence, independence, and quality of life. He described the Fight the Fall campaign as more than an annual initiative, noting that fall prevention is woven into the company's DNA and represents their mission in action to help people live without fear.
The importance of specialized balance therapy is illustrated by the experience of Jeff Igoe, a Marine Corps veteran who suffered from debilitating vertigo and balance issues for over a decade following a traumatic car accident. After trying numerous rehabilitation centers with limited success, Igoe found meaningful recovery at FYZICAL, where he began noticing improvements within the first four to six weeks of treatment. He credited the physical therapy program with restoring his independence and quality of life after twelve years of suffering.
The collaboration between FYZICAL and VeDA represents a significant effort to address a widespread health concern that often goes unrecognized until after a fall occurs. By providing accessible screenings and education, the initiative aims to prevent falls before they happen, potentially reducing hospitalizations, injuries, and loss of independence among older adults. The campaign leverages FYZICAL's extensive network of over 600 locations across 47 states to deliver these critical services directly to local communities.
